Delft - Delft Blue, Vermeer and royal traditions

Delft is a city where history and modern innovation go hand in hand. The characterful city centre with its historical facades and canals reflects a rich history, while the cityscape is graced by the subtle appearances of Delft Blue. This traditional ceramic, recognisable for its deep blue colour, helps maintain cultural heritage by adorning numerous elements of the city, from public artworks to street signs. Did you know that the name Delft comes from the verb 'delven', which means ‘to dig’? The city originated on a delf, a man-made watercourse we now call a 'canal'.

But amongst all this iconic splendour, an essential part of this extraordinary city should not be forgotten: TU Delft is home to some of the smartest students in the Netherlands. The city centre is also a great place to enjoy student life, which just goes to show that culture and innovation go hand in hand in Delft. The artwork Het Blauwe Hart (The Blue Heart) in the city centre, with its shiny blue glass panels and steel frame, is also a striking ode to the city’s connection with technology.

Want to travel responsibly when visiting Delft? No problem. The city is actively committed to sustainability and green transport. Travel in comfort to Delft by train from throughout the Netherlands and you’ll immediately encounter the beautiful station that balances technical innovation with historical charm. Explore the city in an eco-friendly way, e.g. with an e-bike. Its extensive bike lanes and car-free zones make sustainable travel easy. Visit the weekly Delft Market for organic and local produce and find out how the city is promoting green initiatives such as waste reduction and recycling. The Papaver Delft, a sustainability centre aiming to inspire in a fun way to achieve a more sustainable existence, is a great example of this.

Obviously, Delft is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It's also home to special buildings that are historically valuable and architecturally impressive. For example: Oude Delft 167 is a unique building full of decorative elements, but few people know about it. In 1645, the property was bought by the Delfland Water Board and it’s been the Gemeenlandshuis (its main office) ever since. The 18th-century painted wallpaper panels in the garden room are quite special. The façade was restored in 1888 and the interior was refurbished between 1931 and 1933, preserving the building's historic charm.

The 3D printed Delft Blue ceramic entrance gate is another unique architectural highlight in Delft. Composed of 4,000 Delft Blue tiles, this impressive construction is a wonderful blend of innovation and tradition. The gate is a giant puzzle that brings the classic Delft Blue to life in a modern way. The design is not only a tribute to Delft's rich heritage, but also a testament to the cutting-edge technologies possible today. It is a must-see for anyone interested in both historical and modern architecture.