Delft is a charming and lively city situated in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. It is a fascinating destination for visitors who are interested in Dutch culture, history, and architecture. The city is located between Rotterdam, which is to the southeast, and The Hague, which is to the northwest. Together with these two cities, Delft is a part of both the Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area and the Randstad. Delft is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is famous for its historical connections with the reigning House of Orange-Nassau, which have left an indelible mark on the city's architecture and culture. The city is also known for its blue pottery, which is produced in Delft and has been exported worldwide for centuries. Visitors can explore the city's pottery industry by visiting its famous pottery workshops and museums. Delft is also renowned for being the home of the famous Dutch painter Jan Vermeer. Visitors can explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Vermeer Centre, which showcases the artist's life and work. Moreover, the city is also home to the prestigious Delft University of Technology, which is one of the world's leading engineering and technology universities. Historically, Delft played a highly influential role in the Dutch Golden Age. It was an important center of trade and commerce and was home to many famous Dutch artists and scientists. In terms of science and technology, Delft can be considered the birthplace of microbiology, thanks to the pioneering contributions of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and Martinus Beijerinck.