Delft is a small city with a population of around 96,000 people and is centrally located between the Hague and Rotterdam.

Historic city

Delft was granted a charter in 1246 and the original medieval structure of that period is still very recognis-able in the old city centre. In the Golden Age, Delft was a wealthy merchant city, housing VOC (Dutch East India Company) chambers, and home to famous scientists and painters such as Johannes Vermeer. Relive this glorious past as you wander along canals with their arched bridges, stately mansions, massive churches, silent courtyards and narrow alleyways. The intimate nature and the monumental buildings in various architectural styles have all been preserved with great care.

City of Delftware

Delft is renowned all over the world as the city of Delft blue earthenware. This is based on an age-old tradition. In the 17th century, the 'Golden Age', dozens of small potteries arose in Delft in buildings which formerly accommodated breweries. Delft was one of the home ports of the Dutch East India Company. When the Delft potters became acquainted with the imported Chinese porcelain, they began manufactur-ing Delftware with designs based on these patterns, which is nowadays still made by hand.

City of Orange

Delft has special ties with the Dutch Royal House. Prince William of Orange (1533-1584) was murdered in Delft in 1584. The bullet holes from the attack are still visible in the present Municipal Museum known as 'Het Prinsenhof'. The prince's marble mausoleum can be admired in the 'Nieuwe Kerk' (New Church), over the vault of the Royal Family. The collection contained in the 'Legermuseum' (Army Museum) in the old armoury (Armamentarium) shows the military history of the House of Orange.

Friendly city

Delft is also famous for its pleasant historical centre. There are fun shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants with outdoor terraces and pub boats. Why not view the city from a tour boat or horse-drawn tram? Also well worth a visit is the general market on the Markt, the colourful flower market and the flea market with bric-a-brac and antiques along the canals.