Came for the ceramics, stayed for the wandering.Â
Delft, the Netherlands, is famous for its blue ceramics. While other Dutch cities used to create similar ceramic, Delft is the only one standing.
You’ve probably seen a Delft ceramic or at least a knockoff somewhere along the way.
I have a strange fascination with Delft tiles, many of which were used in fireplaces. Delft made my list to visit just because you can tour the Royal Delft, the only factory in the Netherlands still making the traditional ceramic tiles and pottery, still going since the 17th century.
Not all Delft pottery is blue, but many feature very stereotypical Dutch scenes.
An example of 17th century blue ceramic tiles from a museum in Aachen, Germany. These were made in Rotterdam, which also used to produce similar tiles.
When Delft blue tiles began to lose their popularity in the 19th century, the started to make large decorative ceramic tiles for buildings.
Pottery in process. They let you walk through the factory floor.
Molds for different styles were everywhere.
After touring the factory, I planned to walk around the city center for awhile. It was adorable.
Oostpoort, a 14th century city gate and one of those weird Dutch canal bridges.
The backside.
Delft has quite a few canals considering its small size.
Maria van Jessekerk, a very 19th century neo-Gothic church.
But it’s very pretty inside.
A may have a bit of a fondness for 19th century neo-Gothic.
A little canal by the city’s main square.
The Stadhuis, a Renaissance era city hall.
Nieuwe Kerk, the final resting place for some members of the House of Orange, which the monarchs of the Netherlands belong to.
It is pretty plain on the inside because it wasn’t finished until the Protestant era.
I’ve never seen pews smushed into an side-aisle like this before.
The Gothic apse holds the cenotaph of William of Orange (a.k.a. William the Silent) (1533-1584). He’s actually buried in the crypt below. He was the leader of a Dutch revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs who currently controlled the area. The revolt eventually led to the independence of the United Provinces of the Netherlands in 1648. He founded the House of Orange-Nassau.
The fanciest thing in this church.
Wouldn’t be complete without an effigy.
Wouldn’t be a Dutch church without tombstones in the floor. There is a huge number of royalty and nobility entombed in the two crypts below the apse, including the grandmother of the current King of the Netherlands.
Just liked this building.
The little canal that wraps around the outside of the main square.
The Gothic Oude Kerk, known for its leaning tower. Can’t really see the lean from here.
The very cool looking Gemeenlandshuis (community house).
Delft’s smallest house, according to Google Maps. It really is tiny. I’ve had studio apartments wider than that.
There’s the lean.
I finally actually walked inside the church.
It’s most famous floor burial is that of Johannes Vermeer, a famous Dutch painter.
Old archway.
Heading out of the historic center of Delft. The city walls are gone, but there’s this random tower. Now used as an Escaperoom.
Last stop before getting on the tram back to the Hague, Molen de Roos. I can’t get enough of windmills.
I came to Delft for the Royal Delft, but I’m glad I stayed to explore the city. It’s small but a great place to wander.
Tune in for my next update where I quickly explore some of the Hague!
or
Start at the beginning of this European adventure!
