#Delfie

Cultural and historical facts about Delft.

  1. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: Born in Delft, inventor of the microscope and pioneer in microbiology. Lived and worked at the house called “Het Gouden Hoofd.” (Hippolytusbuurt 1, Delft) – 1632
  2. City Charter of Delft: Granted by William II of Holland, officially making Delft a self-governing city. (Delft general) – 1246
  3. Assassination of William I: William the Silent was assassinated in the Prinsenhof, now a museum and historical landmark. (Prinsenhof, Delft) – 1584
  4. Delft Explosion: Gunpowder magazine explosion at a former Clarist convent near the current Paardenmarkt, between Geerweg and Doelstraat. (Doelenkwartier, Delft) – 1654
  5. Delft Blue Pottery: Delftware pottery flourished at workshops including Royal Delft at this address. (Rotterdamseweg 196) – 17th century
  6. Johannes Vermeer: Famous Dutch Golden Age painter who lived and worked in Delft. Notable paintings include Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Milkmaid, View of Delft, The Little Street, and The Love Letter. (Near Voldersgracht 21) – 1660s
  7. Printing & Publishing: Major printing activities in Delft, including printing of the Delft Bible in 1477. (Delft general) – 1400s–1600s
  8. Battle of Delft: City-wide defense during the Spanish siege in the Eighty Years’ War, involving fortifications around Delft. (City of Delft) – 1572-1573
  9. Watertower of Delft: Historic water tower built in neo-renaissance style by architect M.A.C. Hartman, now a national monument and event venue. (Kalverbos, Delft) – 1895-1896
  10. M.C. Escher: Started studying architecture at Technical College of Delft (now TU Delft), later known for woodcuts depicting Delft. (Delft various locations) – 1916
  11. Het Blauwe Hart: Blue glass and stainless steel sculpture symbolizing Delft’s Technical University and Delft Blue pottery. (Oude Langendijk, Delft) – 1998
  12. Molen de Roos: The last remaining windmill in Delft, now a national monument. (Phoenixstraat 112, Delft) – ~1760
  13. De Oostpoort: The only remaining medieval city gate of Delft, built around 1400 and raised in 1514 with Gothic spires. (Oostpoort 1, Delft) – ~1400 / 1514
  14. Hugo de Groot Statue: Bronze statue of prominent legal scholar placed in the Markt near the Nieuwe Kerk. (Markt, Delft) – 1886
  15. Hofje van Gratie: Historic almshouse for elderly couples, originally founded in 1575, rebuilt around 1660. (Van der Mastenstraat, Delft) – 1575 / 1660
  16. Armamentarium: 17th-century arsenal complex for storing weapons, now a museum and event venue. (Korte Geer 1, Delft) – 1602
  17. Nieuwe Kerk (New Church): Late Gothic church with the second tallest tower in the Netherlands, final resting place of William the Silent. (Markt, Delft) – 1381-1655
  18. Oude Jan (Oude Kerk): Oldest church in Delft with leaning tower known as “Scheve Jan.” (Oude Delft, Delft) – ~1246
  19. Maria van Jesse Kerk: Neogothic Catholic parish church with richly decorated interior and twin towers. (Burgwal, Delft) – 1875-1882
  20. Stadsherberg De Mol: One of Delft’s oldest buildings, now a medieval-themed restaurant. (Molslaan 104, Delft) – 1465 / 1563
  21. De Bagijnetoren: Originally a watchtower, now a residential tower and escape room site. (Phoenixstraat 85, Delft) – ~1500
  22. Koepoortbrug: Electrically operated bascule bridge with decorative cow skulls. (Nieuwe Langendijk, Delft) – 1936
  23. Smallest House of Delft: Narrowest house measuring 2.5 meters wide with 17th-century origins. (Oude Delft 147, Delft) – Early 17th c.
  24. De Beestenmarkt: Former cattle market, now a popular social and dining square. (De Beestenmarkt, Delft) – 1595-1972
  25. Cameretten: Historic square named for wool trading rooms, former seat of Lombard bankers. (Cameretten, Delft) – 14th century
  26. De Markt: Large historic market square flanked by Nieuwe Kerk and City Hall. (Markt, Delft) – 13th century
  27. Theo Jansen: Artist and inventor famous for kinetic Strandbeesten sculptures. (Delft, Netherlands) – 1948-present
  28. TU Delft Botanical Garden: Botanical garden with over 7,000 species, greenhouses and research. (Poortlandplein 6, Delft) – Established 1917
  29. Royal Delft: The only remaining authentic 17th-century Delft Blue pottery factory. (Rotterdamseweg, Delft) – Since 1653
  30. Delft Canals: Scenic historic canals fundamental to trade and urban defense, popular for tours. (Delft citywide) – Medieval period