Ceramics from Delft
Delft is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It is quiet, tiny and very atmospheric. He is famous for beautiful white and blue porcelain with rural life motifs, technical universities and the fact that the famous Dutch painter Jan Vermeer was born there.
In the west of the Netherlands, about 10 km from Rotterdam, lies a small town with a hard-to-pronounce name - Delft. It may not be one of the most beautiful towns in the country, but it is undoubtedly worth exploring. You can visit them in one day, but it will be an exceptional day.
The charm of a Dutch town
Delft can boast not only a centuries-old history, but also an extraordinary atmosphere. They are filled with colorful houses, the streets are narrow and winding. The ribbons of canals stretch for miles, and here and there romantic bridges were built over them. The enchanting landscape of Delft touches the heart. The most prestigious apartments are located in former granaries and brick houses that used to be owned by sailors and wealthy merchants.
The historic heart of the city is not big, but every now and then we come across a thing or a building worth getting to know better. It is best to start the trip from the gothic cathedral located at the old market square, and then wander the tangle of winding streets. On the other side of the square there is a beautiful town hall, and in its center there is a statue of Hugo Grotius, the creator of international law.
Places worth visiting include, among others City Museum ( Stedelijk Museum het Prinsenhof ), which houses a collection of paintings by Jan Vermeer. A famous artist was born in this city. The museum is located in a medieval building that was formerly a monastery and then the residence of the first king of the Netherlands, Willem Orange. Members of the royal dynasty of Orange are buried in the church crypt located on the square.
Delphi ceramics
Since the 16th century, the city has been famous for the production of ceramics, with particular emphasis on white and blue porcelain. When visiting Delft, it is worth going to De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles , a museum and ceramics factory. Several exhibition halls display a range of exhibits from the daily life of the locals, including bowls, vases and plates with boat and windmills. There are also tiles here, as well as a copy of Rembrandt's painting "The Night Watch", just made on the tiles. Wandering between the rooms, you can see how the trends in ceramic art have changed. What's more, you can also watch the artists at work.
The museum has a shop with beautiful Delphi ceramics . As befits the products that the city has been famous for for hundreds of years, their prices make the average tourist stare. On the other hand, you are also amazed by the craftsmanship, precision and quality of their workmanship.
Night outside the city
Camping Vakantiepark Delftse Hout is located in the suburbs, approx. 15 minutes' walk from the center. We will pay 24-28 euro (depending on the season) for a night of two people's stay and a pitches for a motorhome. The price includes access to electricity and cable TV. You can bring your dog here - a fee of 3.5 euros per day must be paid for his stay.
If someone has managed to get to know all the attractions of the city, but still feels unsatisfied, he can take advantage of the opportunity to look at them from a different angle. Just go on a cruise ship or boat and see Delft from a different perspective.
A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)