Delft, Rotterdam, Schipluiden

There are not many tangible sights left that remind us of the life of master painter Johannes Vermeer. With this cycling route through Delft, along the Delftse Schie and the Delfshaven district in Rotterdam, you will still experience a piece of history of one of the most famous Delft people of all time. Visit the Vermeer Center where you can admire reproductions of his beautiful paintings. Hop off your bike at the Nieuwe Kerk where Vermeer was baptized on October 31, 1632 and at the Oude Kerk where he was buried in 1675. You cycle past Schipluiden where Vermeer married on April 20, 1653 in a secret church with Catharina Bolnes. Vermeer is best known for his stunning use of light and is therefore called 'the painter of light'. In the context of 'light', the first daylight factory in Europe is also worth a visit: World Heritage Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam. While discovering Delft history, be sure to visit Royal Delft from 1653. Royal Delft or 'De Koninklijk Porceleyne Fles' is the last surviving 17th century Delft pottery factory where the craft is still done by hand.