Tomb of William the Silent, Royal tomb in Nieuwe Kerk, Delft, Netherlands.
The Tomb of William the Silent is a marble and bronze monument in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft, featuring a carved effigy of the prince lying down, accompanied by a small stone dog and four guardian statues at the corners. The royal burial vault beneath remains sealed from public view, but the elaborate surface artwork is visible to all.
The prince died in 1584 and was eventually laid to rest in this church after negotiations between his family and the state. Work on the monument began in 1614 and took nine years to complete, making it one of the most significant sculptures created by Dutch craftsmen.
The tomb embodies the deep connection between the Orange-Nassau family and the Dutch people that remains visible in how Delft cherishes this space. It draws visitors who want to honor the founder of the modern Dutch state.
The site is located in central Delft and is accessible daily during church hours. Visitors should remember that this remains an active place of worship where quiet behavior is expected.
A carved stone slab with four brass rings seals the vault entrance and displays the family coat of arms along with Latin inscriptions. These details are often overlooked, though they contain important information about the family and its significance in the Dutch nation.
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