Oude Delft - Delft

The Oude Delft is the oldest canal in the city and runs from the Noorderkolk to the Zuiderkolk. It was originally a drainage canal, dug in the 11th century for the reclamation of the marshy peat area around the city. The name Delft comes from the verb “delven”, which refers to the digging of the canal. At first, the city was simply called Delf, but as it developed, the name changed to Oude Delft, to distinguish it from later expansions such as the Nieuwe Delft.

Along the Oude Delft lie iconic buildings, including the Nieuwe Kerk and the Prinsenhof. At the height of the Nieuwe Kerk, there is a hatch in the canal wall that formed the connection to the Prinsenhof. It was also an important location in the painting of Johannes Vermeer, who captured the Zuiderkolk in his work.

The Voldersgracht and the Westsingelgracht also flow into the Zuiderkolk, which marked the southern boundary of the city. The Oude Delft has therefore always played a central role in the city’s history and the development of Delft as a trading centre.