Page 234 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

232  WESTERN NE THERLANDS

Exploring Delft

Attractive Delft is world-famous for its blue-and-white pottery
and is renowned in Holland as being the resting place of
William of Orange (1533–84), the “father of the Netherlands”.
William led the resistance against Spanish rule in the 80 Years
War (see p53) from his Delft headquarters; his victory meant
religious freedom and independence for the Dutch. Delft was
the Republic’s main arsenal in the 17th century; an explosion of
gunpowder destroyed a large part of the town in 1654. Artist
Johannes Vermeer (1632–75) was born and lived in Delft.

R Oude Kerk dates from the 14th century.
Heilige Geestkerkhof 25. Tel 015- The Gothic north transept
2123015. Open Apr–Oct: 9am–6pm was added in the early 16th The impressive Renaissance-style pulpit
Mon–Sat; Nov–Jan: 11am–4pm century by architect Anthonis (1548) in the Oude Kerk
Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat; Feb & Keldermans. Inside, the most
Mar: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat. & 7 striking feature is the wooden R Nieuwe Kerk
∑ oudeennieuwekerkdelft.nl pulpit with canopy. The floor is Markt 80. Tel 015-2123025. Open Apr–
The original 13th-century studded with 17th-century Oct: 9am–6pm Mon–Sat; Nov–Jan:
church on this site has been gravestones, many beautifully 11am–4pm Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat;
extended many times. The decorated, including those for Feb & Mar: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat. &
beautifully carved clock tower, Johannes Vermeer and admiral 7 ∑ oudeennieuwekerkdelft.nl
with its eye-catching steeple, Piet Hein (1577–1629). The Nieuwe Kerk was built
between 1383 and 1510 but
needed large-scale restoration
after the fire of 1536 and the
massive explosion of 1654 in the
arsenal. In 1872, PJH Cuypers (see
p375) added the 100-m (328-ft)
tower to the Gothic façade. Inside,
the most noticeable feature is
William of Orange’s imposing
mausoleum, designed in 1614 by
Hendrick de Keyser. In the middle
stands a statue of William, imp-
ressive in his battledress. Not far
from him is the lonely figure of
his dog, which died a few days
after his master. The tombs of the
royal family lie in the crypt. The
church is being restored, so parts
of it may not be accessible.
E Stedelijk Museum
Het Prinsenhof
St-Agathaplein 1. Tel 015-2602358.
Open 11am–5pm daily & public hols.
Closed 1 Jan, 27 Apr, 25 Dec. & =
∑ prinsenhof-delft.nl
This peaceful former convent
was the scene of William of
Orange’s assassination. It now
houses Delft’s history museum,
with pottery, tapestries and
portraits of royalty. In 1572, during
the uprising against the Spanish,
William commandeered the
convent as his headquarters. In
1584, a fanatical Catholic, Balthasar
Geraerts, shot and killed him on
The Nieuwe Kerk overlooking Delft market the instructions of Philip II of Spain.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp397–8 and pp410–11

232-233_EW_Netherlands.indd 232 16/01/17 12:05 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
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Date 25th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm