Delft is well worth the hour drive southwest of Amsterdam. This home to about 100,000 people dates back to 1075 when a count settled along the Delft canal. William II of Holland (reign 1234 until 1256) granted Delft city status in 1246. By 1581, when the surrounding provinces declared their independence from Spain, Delft was one of the largest and most successful cities in the newly formed Netherlands. It thrived during the Dutch Golden Era (1581 – 1672) until a massive gunpowder explosion destroyed most of the city in 1654. Come explore this popular tourist destination.
