Delft Off The Beaten Path

Beestenmarkt is Dutch for Animal Market. It is a market square just outside the historical center, but still in the city center. A monestary was built on this square in teh 15th century. When it was destroyed in the 16th century, there was a big square of land available. This land was used to have an animal market, where sheep, cows and other cattle was sold. The last cow was sold here in 1972. To commemerate the animal market, there's a modern statue of a cow in the center of the square.

Hidden on the outskirts of town are a few old glorious buildings owned by Rijkswaterstaat, the governmental institution that looks after the water and road infrastructure of our country. I discovered the buildings when I went for a job interview here.
This time I drove back to see them again. But the photo doesn't do it justice as I couldn't get far away enough or I'd have tumbled in the water!
The wall anchors were lovely, elaborate stone masonry and even turrets!

My business appointment was on Vlaming street. A lovely little canal with lots of houses along it on either side. With all the sunshine, it gave a very village-y feel.

Do get slightly out of the town center and explore!

De Roos Mill is the only mill left in Delft - and it's a ncie coincidence that this last one is still working. it can be visited and, aside learning how this mill functions, there's also an exhibit called "Delftse Windmolens" which tells you all about the history of all past Delft mills.
Price: 1.50 euros
Open Mondays from 1.00 a.m. to 5.45 p.m, and Tuesdays to Fridays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. .