Historic buildings and their stories
Behind every door is a new story
Delft, a city full of history and beautiful monuments that pop up all around you as soon as you enter the Old Town. From the imposing Nieuwe Kerk to the atmospheric canal houses, there is something to admire on every street corner. And even outside the city centre, there are plenty of historic buildings to be found, each of which has a story to tell.
Behind these monumental buildings there are often centuries-old stories full of intrigue, heroic deeds and secrets. Some buildings still bear traces of important events from the past, while others have played a role in the lives of famous historical figures. It is fascinating to discover how the past is still tangible in the present, and how these buildings give us a glimpse into a world that seems long gone.
Walking through the streets of Delft, you can get carried away by history and marvel at the city's beautiful architecture. Behind every door lurks a new story, and it is up to you to discover them. More than just a beautiful city, Delft is a place where history comes alive and where you can travel back in time for a while. So put on your walking shoes and be enchanted by the magic of Delft and its monumental gems.
De Waag
Markt 11
De Waag in Delft, with its origins in 1341, is not only a restaurant and eatery, but also a monument full of fascinating history. The building was originally used for weighing merchandise, which was crucial for the growing trading city of Delft. The Waaggebouw was officially documented in 1539, and in 1644 the municipality expanded it by purchasing the adjacent property. This made it possible to facilitate the busy trade in the Golden Age, with a large scale that still hangs in the building today. De Waag promoted fair trade, essential for establishing Delft as a reliable trading centre.
Over the centuries, De Waag has served various functions, from the home of gold and silversmiths to a gymnasium and even a theatre. After a thorough renovation in 1999, the building was given its current use as an eatery and restaurant. The building not only reflects Delft's rich history, but is also a vibrant part of the city's current culture and gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy the historic ambiance while immersing themselves in the past of this unique location.
Discover De Waag
Delft Brewery
Hippolytusbuurt 43
During the conversion, to what is now the Delfts Brouwhuis, owners Jon, Sander and Thijs discovered a medieval cellar from the year 1300! Under the guidance of Archaeology Delft, the cellar was excavated and examined. Shards of a medieval beer mug were found. They also discovered that the cellar also used to serve as a brewery. The circle is complete!
Want to learn even more about the cellar and enjoy a delicious beer? Then sign up now for the Brewery Tour and take a look for yourself.
Visit the Delft Brewery
Delfland House
Oude Delft 167
During your walking tour of Delft, you may have noticed this large, luxurious residence with a lookout tower. This building was commissioned by Jan de Huyter in the early 1500s. He was a wealthy Delft citizen and at the time also the sheriff of the city of Delft.
The façade was built with a lot of detail and sculpture. This was very special for that time! In addition, the facade is made of natural stone. The Delfland Water Board has been housed in this building since 1645. This makes it the second-oldest Water Board in the Netherlands. And if you look closely, you can see the coats of arms of the Hoogheemraden above the gate.
Winkeltje Kouwenhoven
Sint Agathaplein 3A
Winkeltje Kouwenhoven is one of Delft's special little shops! In 1867, H.J. Kouwenhoven opened a glass, paint and coal shop on Verwersdijk. His son expanded it to wholesale, but it also sold sweets.
You can still find old-fashioned sweets, nostalgic toys, classic postcards, oil lamps and books at Winkeltje Kouwenhoven today.
The Kruithuis
Schiekade 2
This monumental building was built in 1660 on the Schiekade, far from the city centre. The city had in fact experienced a huge disaster on 12 October 1654; the 'Delft Thunderclap'. On Geerweg, in the city centre, a gigantic storehouse full of gunpowder exploded.
When a new warehouse had to be built, the city council was very clear: the Kruithuis would not be located within the city walls. And so a building on the Schie was chosen.
The little street by Johannes Vermeer
Vlamingstraat
There are several theories about the exact location of 'Het Straatje'.In November 2015, art historian Frans Grijzenhout suggested that the building on Vlamingstraat in Delft must have been the location in question. The neighbourhood in which Vlamingstraat was located at the time was a middle-class area where people lived with small salaries such as meat cutters and carpenters.
The house in the famous painting was inhabited by an aunt of Johannes Vermeer. Van Grijzenhout based the location on 'the register on the quay money' which contains a very detailed inventory of all houses, corridors and gates of Delft's inner city. If you walk down Vlamingstraat, you will see that nothing remains of the original buildings as shown in the painting.
Find out more about Het Straatje
Het Steen
Markt 87
No building preserves as many stories and emotions as a prison. Who were locked in the tiny cells? If walls could talk, we would find out a lot. For example, about Balthasar Gerards, the murderer of William of Orange. He was locked up in Het Steen after the murder and sentenced to death.
Delft's city jail, Het Steen, is housed in the 16th-century City Hall. Built in the late Middle Ages, the prison tower is in the middle of the historic centre. Creep along on a thrilling tour of the city prison. There are even original torture instruments on display!
Find out more about Het Steen
De Diamanten Ring
Choorstraat 9
These days, you can get a delicious loaf of bread at the de Diamanten Ring at Choorstraat 9, but this building has not always been a bakery. In fact, in the 16th century it was an inn called 'De Diamant'. This was not just any inn. It was in this inn that Balthasar Gerards spent the night of 9-10 July in 1584. This was the night before he shot dead William of Orange in the Prinsenhof.
Come along too!
Oldest shop in Delft
Markt 47
With a rich history dating back to 1782, Drogisterij De Salamander is a true treasure trove located at Markt 47 in Delft. This unique shop combines personal service with a wide range of supplements, vitamins, homeopathic remedies, blends and even old Dutch sweets. As the oldest shop in Delft and the oldest chemist in the Netherlands, a visit to De Salamander is definitely worthwhile!
Curious about the whole story? Read our interview with the owner.
Will you come along too?
Bierhuis de Klomp
Binnenwatersloot 5
Bierhuis De Klomp is Delft's oldest pub, since 1652. The name probably comes from a clogmaker who also served beer here or, according to tradition, from Westland gardeners who left their clogs outside before having a beer inside.
Behind the modest facade, you will find a surprising maze of atmospheric spaces. In the Voorhuis, generations drank their first pint, the Blauwe Kamer is full of Delft Blue, and in the Achterhuis there are cupboards full of board games, perfect for a game of Rummikub or 30 Seconds.
With over 80 beers, an impressive gin collection and surprising non-alcoholic options, there is something for everyone to taste. Coffee and tea come from local favourites Single Estate Coffee and Miss Morrison. A place full of character, where you'll feel right at home.
Plan your visit to Bierhuis de Klomp
Tips from local Hans
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Local 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.
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Tip 1: Open Monument Day
"Put Open Monumentendag in your diary! Then you get to look inside Delft's most beautiful buildings - places you wouldn't normally just enter."
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Tip 2: Agnetapark
"A great place for a stroll is the Agnetapark, picturesque and historic part of Delft with a village character."
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