Delft is a small town with a population of around 95.000 people, located halfway between Rotterdam and The Hague. The town centre, with its many canals, is very well preserved. Sights here include the Old and New church, the medieval Town Hall, the East Gate, and yes, there’s a windmill too.

In spite of it’s modest size, Delft played an important role in Dutch history, since it was here that father of the nation William of Orange lived and was assassinated in 1584. His residence, the Prinsenhof, is now a museum. William was buried in the New Church which up till this day holds the royal family’s burial vault.

Other famous residents of Delft are painter Johannes Vermeer, jurist Hugo Grotius and microbiologist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who invented the microscope.

The town is also famous for its delft blue pottery. Of the 32 earthenware factories that were established in Delft during the 17th century, only one, the Porceleyne Fles is remaining and welcomes visitors.

Just south of the town centre you’ll find the large district of the internationally renowned Delft University of Technology. It is here, in the building of the faculty of Aerospace Engineering that the Seventh European Mars Convention takes place.

Delft tourists website: Discover Delft's other colours.
Delft tourists website: Johannes Vermeer, life and work