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The larger pipe organ

Oude Kerk, Delft

Delft’s Oude Kerk’s leaning gothic tower rises above the stout skyline. The original church was built in 1050. It was first expanded in the 13th century when Delft received its charter and was completed in the 14th century. The tower, with its brick spire and four angle towers, was added between 1325 and 1350. To […]

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Delft Klooster-2

Trappistenlokaal ‘t Klooster, Delft

This pub is a great pit-stop on a snowy – or any – afternoon. It’s small and offers an excellent range of local and Belgian beers. It has an attached café, but since we were just looking to have a couple of drinks, we did not try the food. We consulted the bartender for good […]

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Close-up of the tower and clocks

Staduis, Delft

The eye-catching Renaissance-style Stadius sits opposite the Nieuwe Kerk, anchoring one end of Delft’s main square. The 17th-century façade’s shutters, dormer windows, fluted pilasters and shell decoration add a bold, pleasing touch to the vast plaza. The limestone tower dates from 1300 and was part of the original structure that mostly perished in the fire […]

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My first course: tuna prepared three ways

Restaurant Van Der Dussen, Delft

I’m always a sucker for intimate restaurants in old houses with open kitchens serving regional cuisine made with local ingredients. So, Van Der Dussen was right up my alley! The 13th-century house is tucked away on a quiet street in the old town. Through its history, the house has been a residence for Beguines, a […]

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The factory is housed in the original brick building

Royal Delft

Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining original Delft blue earthenware factory. Here, you can take a tour through the factory to watch the production and the careful artisans who paint each piece by hand. During the tour, you walk through the museum, which houses an enormous collection of Delft Blue antiques. Basically, […]

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Elaborate chandeliers illuminate the aisle

Nieuwe Kerk, Delft

The Nieuwe Kerk anchors one end of Delft’s main square, Markt. You can’t miss the church’s soaring 100-meter spire. Climb to the top for vast views over the flat Dutch region. I did not bother going to the top since it was grey and snowy, but it apparently offers an enticing view on clear days. […]

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Mmm. Cheese and butter.

Kleijweg’s Stadskoffyhuis, Delft

This cozy, sprawling café is a great stop for lunch. The café is huge and occupies an old terrace house and patio-barge. There are communal tables in the front where locals sprawl out with newspapers and a more intimate dining area upstairs. The local specialty here is the pancakes, which are basically open-face crepes. I […]

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Replicas of Dutch houses

Delftware

Delft’s most famous product is its blue and white pottery. If you haven’t already seen it on a plate, maybe a vase, perhaps floor tiles or a thousand other items, get ready to be inundated. As you might imagine, here in Delft, delftware is everywhere – on the streets, in museums, in restaurants and shops. […]

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Lights over the canal

Delft

It took us a few trips to the Netherlands to make it to Delft. The cozy city is between larger cities Den Haag and Rotterdam and en route to Amsterdam, so we always flew by it on the highway. A year ago, we even passed it up for a bunch of flowers! It’s a good […]

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