The Origins of the Old and New Church
Discover the rich history of Delft's iconic Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk ¬- two imposing buildings that have defined the city's skyline for centuries! Since their inception, churches have been places where people experience their faith and find inspiration.
If their stones could speak, the Old and New Church would tell incredible stories. From the royal tombs to fascinating works of art, the churches bear witness to Delft's past and present. Discover more of these stories for yourself! Welcome to the churches.
18 Mar 2024 t/m 28 Sep 2024
Duo Exhibition
Major restoration of Piet Hein's tomb started at the end of January. During the restoration there will be a dual exhibition in the Old Church linking the life and times of the famous seafarer with current themes such as (modern) slavery and exploitation. More info on 'Piet Hein: the Death of a Naval Hero' and 'The Close-to-Your-Bed Show: Daisy Ranoe and IJM on modern slavery'.
Notable Characters in the Church
William of Orange
William of Orange; the 'Father of the Fatherland'. That his name was associated with Delft and the Nieuwe Kerk is purely coincidental. After his sudden death in the Prinsenhof in Delft, the family tomb in Breda was inaccessible.
King William I
It was around the year 1800 in the Low Countries. The era of stadholders was over, and Napoleon Bonaparte was advancing from the south. Then William I Frederick became the first king of the Netherlands and secured the dynasty of the Oranges.
Willem George Frederik
William George Frederick of Orange-Nassau was the youngest son of the last stadholder William V and the brother of the first King of the Netherlands; William I Frederick. He was an inspiring army commander who, despite a nasty shoulder wound, fought courageously against the French.
Koningin Wilhelmina
Wilhelmina was queen for almost fifty-eight years; the longest reign since the creation of the Dutch constitutional monarchy in 1815. During that time, she led the country through two world wars as well as reconstruction.
Prince Claus
Klaus-Georg Wilhelm Otto Friedrich Gerd von Amsberg - or Prince Claus for short - married Beatrix of the Netherlands in 1966, Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 - 2013. Not everyone was happy with this prince of German origin. Later, however, his popularity only increased.