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Square · Delft, Holanda Meridional
Markt
Delft's market square, one of the largest historic squares in Europe, between the tower of the Nieuwe Kerk and the Renaissance town hall. It has a weekly market on Thursdays.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Markt
The Markt, the market square, is the center of Delft. It measures about 120 by 50 meters and is one of the largest historic squares in Europe. On one side stands the Nieuwe Kerk, with its tower of almost 109 meters; on the other, the Stadhuis, the town hall.
The current Stadhuis was rebuilt between 1618 and 1620 after a fire, to a design by Hendrick de Keyser, in the Dutch Renaissance style. It was built around Delft's oldest building, a medieval tower called Het Steen, which housed the old prison and the city's torture chamber.
The weekly Thursday market has taken place in the Markt since the Middle Ages. Around the square there are blue-and-white pottery shops, cafés with outdoor seating, and narrow streets leading to the canals.
Markt means market square, and almost every Dutch town has one. Delft's is the starting point for almost all walking tours of the center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, with a coffee in the square.
Best time
On Thursday, market day, the square fills with stalls. Early in the morning or late afternoon there are fewer people to photograph the façades.
How to get there
About a 10-minute walk from Delft station, heading north through the old center. The tram from Haia also stops nearby.
Tip
Visits to the interior of the Stadhuis, including the old Het Steen prison, are only available with a guide and on specific dates: check before you go. The tower of the Nieuwe Kerk, on the other side of the square, provides the best view of the Markt.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Markt
On which day is the market at the Markt in Delft?
The weekly market takes place on Thursdays, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Check before you go.
Can you enter Delft's town hall?
The interior, including the old Het Steen prison, only opens for guided tours on specific dates. Check before you go.
What is on the Markt?
The Nieuwe Kerk on one side and the Stadhuis, the Renaissance town hall, on the other, with cafes and ceramic shops around.