Graves & Epitaphs
Marble is a stone that lends itself well to ornate sculpture. This is evident from the various beautiful tombs and memorials in the Old Church.
1632 - 1675
Johannes Vermeer
The world-famous painter Johannes Vermeer died unknown and unloved. Until 2007, there was only a small, inconspicuous stone recalling his burial in his mother-in-law's family tomb. Then came a new, larger memorial stone, giving Johannes Vermeer back some of the recognition he deserves.
1530 - 1615
Clara van Spaerwoude
Clara, daughter of a goldsmith, became best known for the marriage fund she had set up from her huge inheritance. Despite her great wealth and good deeds, she was still given 'only' an epitaph as a memorial. Hanging from one of the pillars, this is indeed the finest epitaph in the Old Church.
1577 - 1629
Piet Hein
The Dutch lieutenant admiral who managed to intercept a very valuable Spanish silver fleet during the Eighty Years' War was buried in the Old Church amid great interest. Standing in front of his handsomely executed tomb, you can see that the detailed white marble mattress depicting the naval hero who died in armour was carved in one piece. The remaining - predominantly black - elements add to its striking appearance. The admonishing text in the background won't let you off lightly!
Maarten Tromp
Maarten Tromp's mausoleum is, plausibly, even more bombastically executed than Piet Hein's. Left and right of the effigy of this heroic seafarer you can see various martial objects: armour, shields, axes and other war gear. On a white marble plate in the pedestal is a detailed depiction of the Battle of Ter Heijde, in which Tromp died. This monument has recently undergone extensive restoration.
1632 - 1723
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Scientist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek died at the age of 91 and left enough money to be buried in the Old Church. His daughter Maria made sure there was also a beautiful mausoleum. And rightly so; this 'inventor' of the microscope meant a lot to microbiology. His friend and poet Huibert C. Poot wrote a respectful epitaph, which can still be read in the Oude Kerk.
Elisabeth Morgan
The relatively unknown Elisabeth Morgan - daughter of one of William of Orange's confidants - has an impressive tomb in the Old Church. Her husband, knight Charles Morgan, had it designed by English sculptor Nicholas Stone.
The combination of the dark marble and the colourful family arms give the work of art special allure. Elisabeth's image is lifelike; they reportedly made prints of her hands, feet and face to approximate reality as closely as possible.
Discover more about the interior of the Old Church
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Stained-glass windows
A series of beautiful stained-glass windows complete the Old Church's striking appearance. When the sun shines in through these 'stories of glass' it creates an impressive spectacle of light, lines and colours.
Organs
The Oude Kerk has a long organ history. As early as the sixteenth century, the Protestant congregation of Delft had two here. Unfortunately, these were lost in the city fire of 1536. Later organs didn't make it into the twenty-first century either. Today, you have three pipe organs in the Oude Kerk; each is distinguished by its unique construction and sound.
Graves & Epitaphs
Marble is a stone that lends itself well to ornate sculpture. This is evident from the various beautiful tombs and memorials in the Old Church.
Pulpit
The pulpit fulfils a special function in the Old Church. From this spot, preachers have addressed the faithful every week for centuries. Apart from being functional, however, the pulpit in the Old Church is also highly artistic.
Pulpit boards
Besides the colourful windows, impressive marble mausoleums and beautiful organs, the Old Church's interior also contains a series of seven large nameplates.