Follow in the footsteps of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
ABOUT THIS ROUTE Let’s step back in time, to when the Republic of the Seven United Provinces was experiencing a boom in trade.
Science in the 17th century
Delft was home to an office (chamber) of the Dutch East India Company, the first listed company in the world; the paintings of artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Pieter de Hooch; and the world of science of figures such as Hugo de Groot and Reinier de Graaf. There was a network of scientists and artists.
The founder of microbiology
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) did his scientific research alongside the everyday work with which he earned his living. Using microscopes he built himself, he was the first to discover bacteria and spermatozoids, among other things. He was the founder of microbiology.
Sights on this route
Oostpoort - Walkingtour Antoni
The gate was built around 1400 and the towers were heightened in the 16th century. The Oostpoort consists of a land-gate and a water-gate that are connected by the remains of the city wall.
Oostpoort 12611RZ Delft
Nieuwe Kerk - Walking route Antoni
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was born ‘Thonis (Antoni)’ in Delft on 4 November 1632.
Markt 8802611GW Delft
Hippolythusbuurt 1
2611hm delft
Oude Kerk Monument to Antoni - Walkingroute Antoni
The Oude Kerk contains the final resting place of Van Leeuwenhoek and Reinier de Graaf.
Heilige Geestkerkhof 252611HP Delft
Oude Delft 167
2611HB Delft
Pieter van Foreest - Walkingroute Antoni
PIETER VAN FOREEST – A MODERN DOCTOR Pieter van Foreest (1521-1597), city physicianThe physician Pieter van Foreest was made city physician of Delft in 1558, a position...
Oude Delft 1472611HA Delft
The Meisjeshuis - Wandeling Antoni
Between 1578 and 1954, the Meisjeshuis was an orphanage for girls from reformed families who had lost one of their parents.
Oude Delft 1162611CG Delft
The Study of Reinier de Graaf - Walkingroute Antoni
Museum of medicine and pharmacology ‘De Griffioen’ Visitors to the museum can see a historical pharmacy and a room dedicated to Reinier de Graaf. The collection gives a great impression of the development of medicine.
Koornmarkt 662611EN Delft
Directions
Oostpoort - Walkingtour Antoni
The gate was built around 1400 and the towers were heightened in the 16th century. The Oostpoort consists of a land-gate and a water-gate that are connected by the remains of the city wall.
Oostpoort 12611RZ Delft
Our route begins at the historic Oostpoort, the only remaining city gate in Delft. The gate was built around 1400 and the towers were heightened in the 16th century. The Oostpoort consists of a land-gate and a water-gate that are connected by the remains of the city wall.
At the end of Oosteinde, you’ll see the Nieuwe Kerk on your left. Cross Nieuwe Langendijk diagonally and walk past the statue of ‘The Milkmaid’ on your right, which is also the side of the Nieuwe Kerk. Walk past the ‘Blue heart’ in the direction of Markt. On the opposite side of the road, you’ll see the Maria van Jessekerk.Walk across the Markt to the city hall. There’s a cheerful bustle in the square on Thursdays, when the market is held.
Walk over to the statue of Hugo de Groot.
Walk across the Markt to the city hall. There’s a cheerful bustle in the square on Thursdays, when the market is held.
Walk up Voldersgracht and immediately turn right, cross the bridge and turn right again into Hippolytusbuurt. On the façade of the Van Maanen bakery cafe, you’ll see a plaque to Antoni.
Walk along Hippolytusbuurt, and you will see the back of the Oude Kerk. Turn left and walk to the entrance.
Walk past the statue of ‘Geertruyt van Oosten 1330-1358’ and cross the bridge. If you walk through the gate, you’ll come to the Museum Prinsenhof and the Prinsenkwartier.
Keep walking past the Meisjeshuis (the girls’ orphanage) and follow the railings; immediately on the corner, you will see a plaque to Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.
You are now standing before a small but unique museum of medicine and pharmacology, ‘De Griffioen’.
The Study of Reinier de Graaf - Walkingroute Antoni
Museum of medicine and pharmacology ‘De Griffioen’ Visitors to the museum can see a historical pharmacy and a room dedicated to Reinier de Graaf. The collection gives a great impression of the development of medicine.
Koornmarkt 662611EN Delft