Delft is one of Holland's best preserved canal-, and bridges-city and the native town of the 17th century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
But it is not just a home of history, painting and culture but also a lively university town focused on science and high-tech.

The pictures of the balloons were taken once back home in Breda in a friends garden!
Breda Ballon Fiesta is one of the main events of the city of Breda. On August 2, 3 and 4, 2007 Breda was Ballooning for the 22nd time.
Over 35 hot-air balloons, Dutch as well as foreign ones, were sailing over the city and her surroundings, depending on the direction of the wind.

but also a lively university town focused on science and high-tech.

The pictures of the balloons were taken once back home in Breda in a friends garden!
Breda Ballon Fiesta is one of the main events of the city of Breda. On August 2, 3 and 4, 2007 Breda was Ballooning for the 22nd time.
Over 35 hot-air balloons, Dutch as well as foreign ones, were sailing over the city and her surroundings, depending on the direction of the wind.

In 1220 the count of Holland granted franchise rights to Dordrecht. It was the first time that he had bestowed this privilege. Dordrecht may thus call itself the oldest city of ‘Holland'.
In the Hof [Court], which still exists (photo 24-28), important history was written. In 1572 during the Spanish rule, it housed the First Assembly of the Free States. All twelve cities of Holland, with the exception of Amsterdam, took part in a secret meeting. They resolved unanimously to turn against the Spanish oppressors. They chose Prince William of Orange as their stadholder. Together with the Union of Dordrecht (1575), in which the constitution was established, the Assembly of the Free States is considered to be the beginning of the independent state of the Netherlands.

Behind the Groothoofdspoort [gate at the city's main jetty] the history is tangible. You can touch it in streets which were never meant for cars. The old inner city can best be explored on foot. By way of the elegant Wijnstraat for example, with its merchants' houses and gentle bends, ending at the characteristic Grote Kerk [Great Church]. Or along the cosy inner harbours, where trade has died down but the atmosphere of yesteryear lives on.
The best traditions of a mediaeval mercantile city are reflected in nearly a thousand monuments. It is with good reason that the cityscape is protected cultural heritage.

Hof [Court], which still exists (photo 24-28), important history was written. In 1572 during the Spanish rule, it housed the First Assembly of the Free States. All twelve cities of Holland, with the exception of Amsterdam, took part in a secret meeting. They resolved unanimously to turn against the Spanish oppressors. They chose Prince William of Orange as their stadholder. Together with the Union of Dordrecht (1575), in which the constitution was established, the Assembly of the Free States is considered to be the beginning of the independent state of the Netherlands.

Behind the Groothoofdspoort [gate at the city's main jetty] the history is tangible. You can touch it in streets which were never meant for cars. The old inner city can best be explored on foot. By way of the elegant Wijnstraat for example, with its merchants' houses and gentle bends, ending at the characteristic Grote Kerk [Great Church]. Or along the cosy inner harbours, where trade has died down but the atmosphere of yesteryear lives on.
The best traditions of a mediaeval mercantile city are reflected in nearly a thousand monuments. It is with good reason that the cityscape is protected cultural heritage.

Pictures taken in Brielle and Hellevoetsluis.

Brielle is a very old, fortified town. Its name is derived from the Celtic word brogilo (meaning "closed area" or "hunting grounds"). In August 1585, Brielle was one of the four Dutch towns that became an English possession by the Treaty of Nonsuch when Queen Elizabeth I received it as security of payment for 5000 soldiers used by the Dutch in their struggle against the Spanish. In 1616, these cities returned to the Netherlands.
The city is famed for its city fortifications complete with city moat.
St. Catharijnekerk (Saint Catherine Church) - this church was intended to become the largest church in the Netherlands but never completed. In 1417 construction began but in 1456 it burnt down and in 1482 funding ran out and construction stopped. Only the nave and the 57 meter blunt tower were completed.
There are many historic buildings in the centre, among which are the Arsenal from 1708 (now a library) and Old City Hall (now a museum)

Brielle was one of the four Dutch towns that became an English possession by the Treaty of Nonsuch when Queen Elizabeth I received it as security of payment for 5000 soldiers used by the Dutch in their struggle against the Spanish. In 1616, these cities returned to the Netherlands.
The city is famed for its city fortifications complete with city moat.
St. Catharijnekerk (Saint Catherine Church) - this church was intended to become the largest church in the Netherlands but never completed. In 1417 construction began but in 1456 it burnt down and in 1482 funding ran out and construction stopped. Only the nave and the 57 meter blunt tower were completed.
There are many historic buildings in the centre, among which are the Arsenal from 1708 (now a library) and Old City Hall (now a museum)