▲ Royal Delft, the Royal Delft Blue Pottery Factory, is a national treasure of the Netherlands, established in 1653 and granted royal authorization in 1919. As the founder of Delft Blue pottery, it is renowned for preserving 17th-century traditional craftsmanship: using cobalt oxide pigment to paint Dutch windmills, canals, and other local motifs on white clay, which are then fired twice at high temperatures to achieve the iconic blue-and-white glaze. Each piece bears a unique mark at the base, including the artist's initials and the year of production. Masterpieces include tile murals replicating Vermeer's famous paintings and tulip vases, blending artistic value with historical significance. The factory remains open for visits, offering pottery-making experiences and showcasing classic collections.
▲ The Delft City Hall (Dutch: Stadhuis van Delft) is a historic landmark in Delft, South Holland, Netherlands. Originally built in 1381, the current Renaissance-style building features a striking contrast between its dark brick facade and rose-pink window frames. Its iconic Gothic clock tower dates back to the 13th century and once served as a city gate before being rebuilt in 1971 after WWII damage. The interior houses the "Vierschaar" courtroom adorned with Solomon's Judgment frescoes and portraits of the House of Orange-Nassau. While administrative functions have relocated, it remains a popular wedding venue, surrounded by cafes and souvenir shops in the square. Together with the adjacent New Church, it forms the cultural heart of Delft's city center, bearing witness to Dutch royal history.
▲ The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Delft is a historic landmark in the Netherlands, originally constructed in the 15th century as a Gothic structure and later rebuilt multiple times incorporating Renaissance elements. Its iconic 68.6-meter-high twin towers stand adjacent to the City Hall, forming the cultural heart of the city center. The church interior is renowned for its tall, narrow Gothic vaults reaching 31 meters in height, adorned with stained glass windows and statues of martyrs, including one depicting a Miao ethnic pastor from Yunnan, China. Historically serving as a royal mausoleum, it now preserves tombstones of notable figures like Newton and Darwin, while hosting weddings and cultural events. During summer, the opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with admission tickets priced at approximately €8.
▲ Vermeer's former residence is located near the Market Square in the old town of Delft, Netherlands, serving as the primary place where the painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was born, lived, and created his works. Originally known as the "Flying Fox" inn, the family home was managed by his father, who dealt in artworks. The studio windows overlooked the canal and narrow streets, with the lighting environment profoundly influencing his chiaroscuro composition style. The current building is a private residence, but the nearby Vermeer Center features life-size reproductions of his paintings, analyses of his techniques, and exhibitions of biographical archives, reconstructing his artistic career and the social landscape of Delft during the Golden Age. The surrounding area retains the 17th-century street layout, with scenes like the City Hall Square and New Church frequently appearing in masterpieces such as "The Little Street" and "View of Delft."
