Old Church - Delft

Officially, the Oude Kerk in Delft dates from 1246; the year Count William II granted city rights to Delft. But the Old Church lives up to its name as it is even older. In the year 1050, there was already a small church made of tuff along the watercourse the 'Delf' (the old word for canal). In 1240, civil servant Bartholomeus van der Made enlarged the church with two side aisles and a choir. In the following centuries, the church was regularly rebuilt and extended into a magnificent gothic basilica. A number of famous characters from Dutch history are buried in the Old Church, such as the 'Master of Light' Johannes Vermeer (1632 - 1675).

Did you know that the Oude Kerk is also called the Oude Jan or the Scheve Jan? That is because the church tower was already leaning during its construction. For a long time, the inhabitants of Delft were afraid that the tower would fall over, but fortunately the tower has been made sturdy enough over the years.

Several important people from Dutch history are buried in this church. These include the sailors Piet Hein and Maarten Tromp. The former is known for his victory over the Spanish Silver Fleet. You can also view Maarten Tromp's mausoleum here; he played an important role in the First English War. Later, his brother Cornelis Tromp was interred.