Culture of Delft. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The city is rich in numerous historical buildings, beautiful churches and cathedrals. Each monument is a witness of important historical events. Sights here keep many interesting legends that will be revealed to curious travellers. Town Hall is the oldest building in the city. This is a true example of architecture of the Renaissance style. Its construction started in 1618 and lasted for about two years. Town Hall was built on the site of an old prison that had been constructed in the beginning of the 15th century. In 1536 the building was almost completely destroyed by fire. Only a tower has survived till our days.

Among the cultural institutions of the city we should definitely mention State Museum of Weapons, which exhibits a priceless collection of ancient weapons. Travelers, who have arrived in Delft, have a unique opportunity to see valuable artifacts. Pretty soon the museum will be transferred to Susterberg. You may also enjoy visiting the old factory, which has preserved in the city. Several centuries ago the factory produced excellent porcelain. Items purchased at a local store will become excellent souvenirs.

The tomb of Karl-Wilhelm Naundorff is very unusual attraction. This impostor was calling himself Louis XVII, the great French king. The tomb of the impostor is located in the old cemetery next to the royal yeast factory. Market Square is also the location of several interesting sights. Here is located the building of New Church (De Nieuwe Kerk), which was built in the 15th century. On the territory of the church are buried several prominent figures of the city. The old prison tower is located nearby. The building was erected in the 13th century and was made in the Gothic style. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Don’t forget to visit Het Prinsenhof – this is the modern name of St. Agatha Monastery. The first monastery building was constructed yet in the 15th century. Pretty soon several auxiliary buildings appeared near it. Many interesting stories are connected with the monastery. After the restoration the monastery was turned into National Museum. Today visitors can see here rich collections of silverware and china, as well as paintings of contemporary artists. Besides numerous historical sights, the city is home to numerous beautiful theaters and concert halls. Guests will find here widest range of entertainments for every taste.

Since Delft is the hometown of the great artist Jan Vermeer who lived and painted in the “Golden Age” era of Dutch art (or the Northern Renaissance, as this period is often called), it is no wonder that it is here that you can visit the museum dedicated to this artist. The place is called Vermeer Centrum. Tourists can perceive the artist’s life in here, and they are guaranteed full immersion in the era. Other interesting museums include the Museum Prinsenhof, which provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the traditional crafts of the city. There is also the Science Center, which children will definitely enjoy, and Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, which features porcelain works of art.

You will get pleasant impressions from taking a walk to the Beestenmarkt. At the peak of the tourist season the square never stops receiving visitors. A peculiar decoration of the square is a statue of cows right at its center. A delightfully beautiful building can be found along the waterfront of Oude. We are here referring to the Rijksmonument Oost-Indisch Huis. The house was built in the XVII century, and like most of the houses surrounding it, which are also interesting to look at from an architectural point of view, this building is known to give a real aesthetic pleasure.

One of the main symbols of the Netherlands is the “mill”, and the best one worthy of visiting in Delft is the Molen de Roos. The building cannot be missed – it can be even seen from afar. This is as a result of its majestic facade. Despite the fact that this is a working mill, it is more of a museum. Another interesting place for tourists is the bridge Symbiobrug, remarkable in terms of its architectural value. Likewise, is the Vleeshal de Koornbeurs – a building that managed to become a warehouse for meat and a meat market. The building itself belong to the XIII-XIV centuries, and is ranked among the oldest in the city. To date, this is a historic place, and on the top floor of the building you can visit the restaurant situated there.

There is nothing worth seeing at the first sight of the Oud-Katholieke Kerk building. This may come as a surprise to you since this place is regarded as a hidden treasure of the hometown of Jan Vermeer. The fact is that the church has only a historical significance: which is that, during the persecution of the adherents of the Catholic faith, the temple was used as a place for conducting secret prayers. The church was rebuilt in 1743. Next to the church is situated Bagijnhofpoort – a small, but very impressive gate to the city. This place will definitely appeal to lovers of architecture, and history.