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Church · Delft, Holanda Meridional
Oude Kerk
The oldest church in Delft, dating from 1246, with the leaning tower that locals call Scheve Jan. There are the tombs of Johannes Vermeer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and Admiral Piet Hein.
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 Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk, the Old Church, is Delft's oldest, dating back to 1246. Its hallmark is the brick tower, built between 1325 and 1350, which has leaned over time. Locals call it Scheve Jan, the Crooked John.
Well-known figures are buried there. Johannes Vermeer, the painter of Girl with a Pearl Earring, was buried here. Also Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, the Delft merchant who built microscopes and was among the first to observe microorganisms, and Admiral Piet Hein.
Years later he became famous in the Netherlands for capturing the Spanish silver fleet in Cuba.
The church sits between two canals, the Oude Delft and the Voorstraat, and remains in use for Sunday services.
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
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
On weekdays, since on Sundays there are services and the church is not open to tourists. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is next to the Oude Delft canal, about a 5-minute walk from the Markt and 10 minutes from Delft station.
Tip
Use the same ticket as for the Nieuwe Kerk, which usually covers both churches. The best view of the leaning tower is from the bridge over the Oude Delft, directly opposite.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oude Kerk
Where is Vermeer buried?
In the Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Delft, where there is a memorial plaque for the painter.
Why is the Oude Kerk tower crooked?
The tower, built in the 14th century, leaned over time because of the soft ground. Locals call it Scheve Jan, o João Torto.