Fodor's Expert Review Oude Kerk

At the very heart of town, the oldest church in Delft (founded in 1200) is the last resting place of Vermeer. Construction went on until the 15th century, which accounts for the combination of architectural styles, and much of the austere interior reflects the latter part of the work. The tower, dating from 1350, started leaning in the Middle Ages and is today 6 feet off-kilter; the tilt to the east is somewhat stabilized by the 3-foot tilt to the north, but still prohibits ascent. At the top is the largest carillon bell in the Netherlands, weighing nearly 20,000 pounds, now used only on state occasions.