Wandering Delft: From Iconic Canals to Majestic Gates - Netherlands
Nestled in the province of South Holland, the canal-ringed city of Delft has a special place in my heart. This city not only has a rich history of Dutch culture but is also a nice example of urban frame design. How did I find Delft? About one and a half years ago, while passing by Amsterdam, I saw a pottery shop containing magnificent hand-painted blue and white ceramics (delftware) coming from Delft. At first, I forgot about them right away. But then it just sprang to my mind, so I needed to schedule a visit to Delft. Since it was far from my city, it required some time. I decided to take a walk on a picture-perfect day in fall, hoping to capture the essence of the season. I had not researched anything in advance, only wanted to casually walk around on the weekend without any plans or specific destinations, and therefore could enjoy the atmosphere during fall.
Arriving in Delft, I had no idea where to start or what to look at. However, after two years in the Netherlands, I knew going to the "Centrum," or city center, was a good place to begin, since that is normally where visiting most Dutch cities starts. My first objective was to find the center or main marketplace area in Delft.
Getting around Delft City was easier than expected. The city is well laid out- once you know where a canal or major street is, you are unlikely to get lost. In addition, there's a signboard on practically every corner, so you can't really get lost.
One thing that immediately hit me was how clean and peaceful Delft was. The streets were clean, and not at all crowded, so I had room to just take my time walking around. I strolled along, taking in the charming views across the canals. The architecture and the serenity of the waters combined to create a perfect atmosphere for the day's exploration. The first question that had stroked in my mind was, who lives near this canal? The houses are nice following traditional Dutch architecture.
Delft, Netherlands
The canal water level in Delft is higher (at some spots) than in Amsterdam. I have seen such kind of water-level canal-side streets in Utrecht city. The water is not so clean though. You can go very close the the canal. But it looks risky though. How do they maintain water levels during the rainy season? The answer is still pending to uncover to me. Seeing the photographs, you already have an idea of how the city might look. Are these traditional Dutch houses?
Delft's canal houses show a local variance from the generalized Dutch architecture. Many of the buildings have the same height and narrow, being deep to maximize the space within the compact city layout. The fronts of these houses often boast ornate gables in stepped, bell-shaped, or neck forms that characterize the skyline. Most of these houses are constructed using red or brown brick, while white trims soften the window and door details yet the details look prominent. Normal large, multi-pane windows allow plentiful daylight in and present some canal views.
Another unique feature is that these houses seem to lean forward or sideways, which also goes for many old kinds of Dutch architecture. These canal houses, built centuries ago on marshy land, stand tightly packed together and often share walls with their neighbors.
Along the canals, small bridges connect these homes to narrow streets lined with bikes, trees, and flowers.
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After spending some time near the canal, we followed a prominent street to go to the center area. On my way, I saw some brick buildings following the medieval architectural style. This city is also known for its preserved medieval architecture. After visiting a few medieval cities, I can identify medieval architecture easily. Brick facades and gabled roofs are among the few special elements and characters recognizing medieval-style architecture.
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Delft is a city of history. The most famous painter Johannes Vermeer lived here. Also, delft is called the city of Orange. William of Orange also known as William the Silent.
After reaching the city center, I spotted some famous shops along with other stores. For example, Dille and Kamille is a very popular store among women for household things.
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I discovered a special handmade chocolate shop featuring Delft City. I will write about it another time. Some floral shops and decor shops caught my eye too.
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Maria Van Jessekerk is a Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church which is originally named St. Joseph's Church. This church was built in phases around 1875-1882. I went inside the church without a ticket or anything and spent some time there while admiring the beautiful inside of the church.
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The East Gate in Delft is the most famous symbol of the city and one of the few examples left in the Netherlands of medieval city gates. This splendid twin-spired structure built about 1400 stands on the eastern edge of Delft overlooking a quiet canal lined with trees and greenery. The East Gate was part of the town's defense walls but had been adapted as both a fortress and an entrance against intruders.
Though no longer a city gate, today the East Gate serves the dual purpose of a private residence and art gallery, integrating historic preservation with present-day use.
This gate is the only remained gate among all the eight gates in the city. The original city gates had to be torn down in 1359 as a punishment since Delft had lost a war against Duke Albert of Bavaria. When William of Orange came to live in Delft in 1572, the entire fortress was reinforced. Around 1840, the other city gates of Delft were pulled down; only the East Gate was allowed to stay because it didn't get in the way in the corner of the city. src
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As I mentioned before, I didn't visit any specific places. I wanted to go to a museum but it was already late. So, on my way exploring the city, whatever landmarks were located, I saw.
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The unfortunate fact is I couldn't see any delftware stores. Even I couldn't visit the Royal Delft Museum because of time schedule. The reason I went to Delft stayed incomplete but no regret. In the end, I explored this charming city, saw history, and architecture, and made a unique experience...
Love
Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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Wow what an elaborated review, beautiful! Delft is a pretty city, many old cities like Leiden en Haarlem are like this, it's a pain to drive in the city centers, especially driving a small truck (I know 😆!)
Thank you so much. I have been to Haarlem and absolutely love the city. But I haven't been to Leiden yet.
It's almost impossible to drive them to the Dutch city center. 😁 Very annoying I know...
It looks like a very charming city! It reminds me a lot of The Hague, but as I look at the map, it is close to it, so it does have the same style... Canals are the trademark of that part of the Netherlands, but seeing that the water level is so high, it does raise questions about rains and potential floods?! Btw. I'm not sure that I would park my car so close to the water, without having any fence... 😂
That's how I like to do it too! The most popular places can be found on the Internet, but those that you can see by wandering around, are not... and most of the time, you see the REAL image of a place, and not a "tourist image"..
Thanks for sharing awesome photos and the story about Delft! I enjoyed it!
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Delft is very close to Dan Haag, so it's very easy to visit Delft from Dan Haag. You can take a bus, tram or metro. You are right, that's why Delft city has a lot of similarities to The Hague.
🤣Imagine, you have parked your bike there and forgot to lock/chain it. Suppose during the night; the storm has occurred and in the morning, you don't see your bike anymore. What would you think? Someone stole it or it just went in the canal!!! 🤣
Exactly and like you said, we love to see real images, not a tourist image. The fun part is to discover a city without any research if you have time, and want to have a relaxing and good time...
Thank you for stopping by, taking the time to read my post, and curating it as well. I appreciate it...
Have a nice week...
Or you forget to pull the handbrake on your car... 😱 😂
Exactly 🤣
I always thought that Delft was just beautiful city, but your story showed how many interesting facts are behind it. I was struck by the idea of how the city retains its historical charm despite being modern. And your description of the atmosphere forces one to dissolve through the screen in its unique architectural features. I fell in love with channels that dilute and emphasize the extravagance of the city😍 It seems that it's possible to escape from everyday life there!😮🤩
Thank you for elaborating on the details and noticing this city's beauty. Most of the Dutch cities are similar when it comes to architecture and culture. But still one will enjoy visiting these cities because there is always something new to learn. What I liked about Delft is how the city is designed, and very well organized. The atmosphere was friendly and also a very safe city to walk. I spent a lot of time near the canal; and saw birds, flowers, and beautiful autumn colors. It was an amazing experience...
I completely understand why you liked this experience, these photos with your canals are simply magical, like a kind of Bavarian fairy tale, doll houses, you dilute the feed like no other with incredible stories about Doll picturesque cities, I'm just in love 😄💕
You are absolutely right...😀
💕💕🙏🏻
The houses, the streets, Uff the charm is so ON. 💯 .
Also this was my favourite picture among the whole series of beautiful shots. So colourful and tempting to be a part of this experience.
I also love this photo, so many colors and decorations are so nice. It reminds me of the fresh farmer's market. I also love the design of the boxes, very unique. I am glad we both have similar tastes.
Thanks for stopping by...
It’s been so long since I’ve last been in Amsterdam. These are amazing photos that bring back some good memories
Really? Must be a long time ago. Maybe it's time to pay a visit to the Netherlands. By the way, how are you? I hope you are well. Thank you for stopping by...
Delft looks like a charming city and I think this time around is the perfect time to roam around hehe! It's chilly and the leaves are so pretty. BTW, those are some great pictures!
Autumn is one of the perfect weather to enjoy walking. Colors and atmosphere everything feels nice. It was not so cold when I was at Delft so I really enjoyed the walk and surroundings. The best part was sitting near the canal and just observing around...
Thanks a lot Mac...
@priyanarc The Netherlands, a dream place, and the photos are extremely spectacular.
Yes, a few cities in the Netherlands are quite fascinating and worthy to explore. I only visited few of them and they always surprise me a lot...
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Delft looks beautiful. I would love to live in a house overlooking a canal like that. Every street looks as if it's straight out of a travel guide and so Dutch! Must say though, I wouldn't be happy parking so close to the canal, accidents can happen and as you pointed out, the water levels are so high. What happens when there's a torrential downpour?
I cant believe you didn't see any pottery though in a town that's famous for one thing, I'd though every shop would be selling it to tourists!
As always, brilliant post and stunning photos. You take care and keep wandering and sharing and be in the best health you can manage.
Take care always :-)
Where have I been? I guess I was nowhere to be found otherwise I would have noticed this comment... Sorry for the delay, I guess I was all over the place... 🤣
I was also curious about it because what I can see, floods can occur easily unless they have some kind of precaution taken. Dutch cities are beautiful but yes, I need to actually figure out their culture because these cities often surprise me...
They have and I guess I was blind or it was Sunday so shops were closed. I saw some from the window display but yes, it's unfortunate. Next time if I get the chance...I have seen Delftware somewhere else in the Netherlands but my desire was to know more about the pottery which didn't happen...
I hope you are well...
It's just a bit of clay that's painted blue and white, thats all!
This is a question that needs an answer, so the next time its forecast to rain hard, you need to go back with a little stool and sit by the canal in the rain to watch!
How's your weekend been, Priya? Did you do anything nice?
Take care always :-)
The canal in Delft is quite big. But the water is a bit dirty. I noticed that the streets are narrow and the water of the canal is almost close to the road. So in rainy season the road will definitely be flooded. There are also many leaves on the road. But the dutch houses are old but look nice. The photography is nice. But it seems totally deserted here.
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