5 HISTORIC CHURCHES IN DELFT

They tower above all the other buildings and are important landmarks in the city: Delft's churches! These historic edifices hold a rich history in store for you inside their walls. We have selected 5 Delft churches for you. Read on and learn everything about Delft's religious history!

De Nieuwe Kerk
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Markt 80, 2611 GW Delft

The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Delft is mainly known for its royal crypt. Nearly all the members of the Dutch Royal House are buried in this church. The most famous grave is that of our “Father of the Fatherland”: William of Orange (William the Silent). However, you can also find the grave of law scholar and writer Hugo de Groot in this church.

The church has had to endure much over the years, and the top of its tower and spire has even turned black. The Nieuwe Kerk was built at the end of the 14th century. Roughly 100 years later, a powerful lightning bolt struck the tower. It was rebuilt later, but to a different design. The tower remained unscathed until the end of the 19th century when it was struck by lightning again. This time the tower was rebuilt using sandstone from Bentheim. This type of stone reacts with acid rain and the tower has taken on a steadily blacker hue ever since. The church still stands proud on the market square and hopefully will remain there for many years to come!

Worth knowing: in good weather you can climb the tower and enjoy a beautiful view out over the city!

TIP: buy an entrance ticket here

De Oude Kerk
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Heilige Geestkerkhof 25, 2611 HP, Delft

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) has been given the nickname of ‘Tipsy John’ (Scheve Jan) for good reason! It leans heavily to one side and even has a distinct bend in the tower. At the time, the people of Delft were not aware that they were building the tower on an old canal that had been filled in. They discovered this during construction, and decided to build ‘vertically’ again on top of the section that was already leaning to the side. This explains the bend in the church tower that we can still see today. Fortunately, the church has been fully stabilised now.

There is also a crypt under the Oude Kerk where many famous historical figures are buried, such as the painter Johannes Vermeer and scientist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.

Maria van Jessekerk
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Burgwal 20, 2611 GJ Delft

The Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk are not the only churches in Delft; you can also visit the Maria van Jessekerk on Burgwal. A striking building, because this church has not one but two towers - which is unusual for a church. Furthermore, the towers also differ from each other architecturally! Discover the story behind the towers here and admire the beautiful interior.

St. Hyppolytus Kapel
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The St. Hyppolytus Kapel is one of the oldest buildings in Delft! The chapel was built at the beginning of 1400 and was used for a variety of functions in later centuries. Originally, the chapel was part of the Heilige Geest Zusterhuis (an alms house and hospital run by a community of devout women), after which it was used as a storehouse for weapons and, after the restoration at the beginning of 1900, the Roman Catholic church started to use it as a place of worship.

Adress: Oude Delft 118, 2611 CG Delft

Waalse Kerk
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The Waalse Kerk on Agathaplein (the Chapel of the St. Agathaklooster), has not been used for worship for some time now. This place was formerly used as a chapel by the court of William of Orange. Not many people know that a number of his grandchildren are buried here, instead of with their family in the Nieuwe Kerk.

Adress: Oude Delft 177, 2611 HB Delft

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De Nieuwe Kerk /

De Oude Kerk /

Maria van Jessekerk /

St. Hyppolytus Kapel /

Waalse Kerk /

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