Voldersgracht Street, Delft

Voldersgracht is one of Delft鈥檚 oldest and most picturesque streets, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city鈥檚 medieval past and vibrant present. Dating back to at least 1348, this historic canal is unlike most others in Delft, as it features a street on one side and houses built directly on the water on the other. Its name comes from the cloth fullers who once worked here during the Middle Ages, using the canal to wash away the remnants of their trade.

Located just steps from the bustling Markt Square and the iconic Nieuwe Kerk, Voldersgracht combines historic charm with modern life. Strolling along its narrow, canal-lined path, visitors will encounter elegant 17th-century architecture, quaint bridges, boutique shops, and cozy caf茅s that invite you to pause and soak in the relaxed Delft atmosphere.

Art enthusiasts will find a special connection here: several art historians have speculated that Voldersgracht may have inspired Johannes Vermeer鈥檚 famous painting The Little Street. Vermeer鈥檚 father once ran an inn nearby, and the artist himself was affiliated with the St. Lucas Guild, which stood on this very street. Today, the reconstructed guild building houses the Vermeer Centrum Delft, dedicated to his life and works.

Whether you explore it on foot or admire its reflections from a canal boat, Voldersgracht is a must-visit destination where history, art, and everyday Dutch life meet in a truly enchanting setting.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Delft. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Voldersgracht Street
Sight Location: Delft, Netherlands (See walking tours in Delft)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Johannes Vermeer's Delft Walk

Walking Tours in Delft, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Delft

Creating your own self-guided walk in Delft is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Johannes Vermeer's Delft Walk

The Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (1632 鈥� 1675) spent almost his entire life in his home town, Delft. He left only a few times, towards the end, on the short trips to Amsterdam and The Hague.

The old Delft undoubtedly was one of the most typical little towns of the 17th-century Netherlands, and as such, was rather picturesque. Just like any other Dutch place, Delft was dominated by its... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Delft Introduction Walking Tour

The word "delven" in Dutch means "to dig." The town of Delft began in 1075 when a nobleman decided to build his dream manor where a canal crossed the silted up river Gantel. A settlement became a market town with a large market square. The town was called "Delft."

Canals were vital to Delft. Flat-bottomed boats brought in products, fuel and people. In 1246 Count... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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