Maria van Jessekerk - Burgwal 20

A bit dusty, but nice catholic church, good paintings and lead glass. Some lamps need to be changed though. It's interesting because of the historic Protestant majority in the surrounding area. I came here for the organ pipe concert of Petra Veenswijk.

Magnificent catholic church in the center of Delft. Although it doesn't seem that big from outside, it is very spacious and colorful once you get inside. You can enjoy the beautiful gothic style and mosaic windows.

Good old church. Beautiful painting. Soothing experience

Beautiful old church, next to the "Niewe Kerk" where the King of The Netherlands is buried...

Very peaceful and beautiful catholic church inside-out located at the City Centre of Delft. I would call it a Cathedral due to its amazing architectural models, dimensions and perspectives! Mostly recommended to visit on Sundays at 18.30 (mass time in English and some Dutch with available translation).

The Maria van Jessekerk is a Gothic Revival Roman Catholic parish church in the city of Delft , in the Dutch province of South Holland . The church was built between 1875 and 1882 and was designed by Evert Margry , a pupil of PJH Cuypers . Originally this church was dedicated to Saint Joseph , but since 1971 to Maria van Jesse . The church is now part of the Saint Ursula parish, which includes all Catholic parish churches in Delft. The church is built in the shape of a cross. The church was the first Catholic church to be re-established in the city center after the Reformation . The Oude Jan and the Nieuwe Kerk were Catholic before the Reformation, but were reformed afterwards . The two towers of the Maria van Jessekerk refer to the two former Catholic churches; in terms of model they refer to the towers of the Oude Kerk and the Nieuwe Kerk. The Maria van Jessekerk stands on the spot where the Papenhoek originated during the Reformation , a neighborhood where only Catholics lived. In 1572 the Delft city council opted for Protestantism and other religions such as the Roman Catholic Church, but also the Lutheran and Baptist Church were banned. In practice, however, they were tolerated. The Hippolytuskerk and the Ursulakerk became Protestant and were henceforth called the Old and New Churches. The Delft Catholics gathered in the neighborhood that was bordered by the Burgwal, the Oude Langedijk and the Jacob Gerritstraat. Celebrations were held in hidden churchesin residential houses. From 1677 there is talk of a station dedicated to Saint Joseph and served by Jesuit Fathers. Schuilkerk (1733) In 1733 , the Jesuits managed to build a small church that was not visible from the street, an important condition for tolerance. This church probably stood on the site of the western transept of the current church, where there was then a courtyard. This church was dedicated to Saint Joseph . Why this saint was chosen is not clear. When the Jesuit order was dissolved in 1773, the Franciscans took over the station.

Such a beautiful and gorgeous church!! It's definitely worth a visit if you are in the town.

Beautiful , must visit cathedral , with great interiors and ambiance. We were lucky to witness the organ concert in the church and it was mesmerising. The busy , historic and bustling streets in front of the cathedral with many restaurants and shops , esp the ice cream shops, was wonderful. The canals around the church and the buildings are surreal and we loved every bit of our visit.