Delft, a magic city

 After two weeks in Austria, it was time to set the GPS for Delft in the Netherlands. We had been there once before, for a rather quick visit. The only memory I had was the visit to the Vermeer centre and that we had a parking boot when we came back to the car. Fifty-fifty good and bad memories.

Delft city view

We found a really great apartment just at the border of the old town. It was close to everything we needed: the old city for sightseeing and eating and the Technical University for Hannes. Delft is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. There are the old houses and churches, the canals and the small bridges. Walking distance everywhere. You are literary walking in history. We were there for five days so did not have to rush.

A must is to visit the centre dedicated to the most famous man from Delft, Johannes Vermeer. He was born in Delft in 1632 and died there in 1675. He specialised in domestic scenes and was not very successful during his lifetime. It was not until around 1860 that the art world started to appreciate his paintings. Today, he is one of the most popular painters. The Vermeer Centre is situated in the old Guild house. There are of course no original paintings, but copies hanging on the walls. However, the museum is very interesting and with the audio guide, you get a very good introduction to his paintings and his time. Well worth a visit

The City Hall

The New Church

Next to the centre is the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) although it was constructed already between 1381 and 1496. Vermeer was baptised in this church. It is still today the official burial place for the royal family. 

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) was founded in 1246, and built on the site of previous churches dating back up to two centuries earlier. Here Vermeer is buried with other famous people like Piet Hein and Anthony van Leeuwenhoek. 

On the Markt (Square) there is a statue of Hugo Grotius (1583-1645) who was a Dutch humanist, diplomat, lawyer, theologian and jurist. He was born in Delft and studied at Leiden University which is nearby. He spent most of his life in exile where he wrote most of his major works. I am just reading a Swedish book, 'Kings and Warriors' about our kings Karl X, XI and XII. The young Karl X Gustav had part of his education in Paris. Among other things he also exchanged views with the learned men of the time. I was quite pleased to read that, at the time 1643, Hugo Grotius was the Swedish ambassador to Paris. 

Delft city view

Delft city view

The Prinsenhof (Princes' Court) was the old palace and is now a museum. Very interesting and here is the whole story of the Dutch kings. The first king was William I, Prince of Orange (1533-1584) called William the Silent. He was the main leader of the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs that set off the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648). The revolt led to the formal independence of the United Provinces in 1581. In 1584 he was assassinated in the Prinsenhof. You can still see today where the bullet hit the wall. 

The 17th century was called the Golden Age of the Netherlands, and it is indeed an interesting time. Much of the history took place here in Delft. I am trying to find a good book or two to read up on the history.

A duck swimming in one of the canals

Delft is also well-known for its porcelain. We saw some of it in the museum and walking around the square every other shop is full of beautiful blue and white porcelain. That is a history of itself. 

A wonderful stay. Just walking around the city is nice and every turn shows you another beautiful street. I envy my son who can stay there for half a year. He is not as interested in history as I am, so he does not appreciate it the way I would do. Definitely, will come back.