Commentator Hans
My name is Hans van Wingerde. I was born in 1954 in Delft on the Nassauplein in Wippolder. I have lived in Delft all my life and am proud of my city. From 2002 until 2022, I worked for the municipality of Delft as a lawyer. My hobbies include singing. For years I performed with the Delft Revue Company Mengelmoes. Since 1994, I have formed the singing duo the 'Delft Troubadours' with my good friend Kees. I also write lyrics for songs, obviously also about my beloved Delft: 'Christmas time in Delft' and 'Johannes Vermeer' (with music by Gregor Bak). I often walk through our beautiful city centre. There are many beautiful spots in Delft (not all of which I will mention) except the Vrouwenregt, behind the Nieuwe Kerk. That is a beautiful spot.
Discover the Zuideinde
My OFF-listed location in Delft is Zuideinde, which is my favourite spot because this is where Johannes Vermeer painted the 'View of Delft'. Vermeer painted this artwork from the top floor of the Stadsherberg, which was located at Zuideinde number 2. My song 'Johannes Vermeer' is also about that spot. I like to stand there and muse on how beautiful our city is and how the city could be even more beautiful if there wasn't so much demolition. You often see the most beautiful ships lying there too. From here, you can sail to beautiful Delfshaven, where you can enjoy the beautiful view over the water, with the ships on Zuideinde and get a glimpse of our city. Via viewers, Vermeer 5D, you can see what the city looked like in Vermeer's time. A good place to hang out then is restaurant Huszár on Hooikade. The food is organic; eco-friendly and carafes of tap water are already on the table. They invite you to take home any food you don't finish. There's always a smile on the bill, too, as it's free.
Tips from Hans
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Agnetapark
A nice place for a walk is the Agnetapark, picturesque and historic part of Delft with a village character.
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Open Monument Day
Put Open Monumentendag in your diary, so you can see interesting Delft buildings inside.
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Stained glass
When it is dark and there is an activity in the churches or other buildings where there is stained glass, you can view this beautiful piece of Delft outside It really gives an extra dimension to the city.