Oksana Smirnova Tourist Guide and Interpreter

Oksana Smirnova Tourist Guide and Interpreter Positive Walking Tours in The Hague and Delft. DM me
Oksana Smirnova

A professional Ukrainian guide living now 3,9 years in
Love this beautiful country, its people and history
Let's discover its vibe together!

English below👇ЧОМУ ЦЯ КРИХІТНА КАРТИНА 1750 РОКУ ПРИХОВУЄ ВЕЛИЧЕЗНУ ТАЄМНИЦЮ?Уявіть собі сонячний день близько 1750 року...
23/05/2026

English below👇
ЧОМУ ЦЯ КРИХІТНА КАРТИНА 1750 РОКУ ПРИХОВУЄ ВЕЛИЧЕЗНУ ТАЄМНИЦЮ?
Уявіть собі сонячний день близько 1750 року. Ви стоїте посеред гамірної площі Маркт у нідерландському місті Делфт.
Навколо ходять городяни у капелюхах та пишних сукнях, чути стукіт коліс об бруківку, а перед вами величаво підноситься міська ратуша.

Са́ме цю мить зафіксував на маленькій дерев'яній дошці амстердамський художник Ян тен Компе.
Його картина - це не просто пейзаж, це справжня машина часу, яка досі зберігається у приватній колекції.

Але якщо придивитися до самої ратуші, вона розповідає ще одну, набагато драматичнішу історію.

За 130 років до того, як художник взявся за пензель, на цьому ж місці стояла зовсім інша, стара середньовічна ратуша.
Але взимку 1618 року сталася катастрофа - спалахнула грандіозна пожежа.
Вогонь практично спопелив будівлю.
На згарищі дивом уціліла лише одна споруда - сувора середньовічна кам'яна вежа, яка пам'ятала ще давні віки.

Місту потрібен був новий символ.
Для відбудови запросили одного з найкращих майстрів тієї епохи - архітектора Гендріка де Кейзера.
Він вирішив не руйнувати те, що вистояло.
Де Кейзер виявив справжній геній: він узяв стару середньовічну вежу та філігранно «вписав» її у новий, розкішний фасад у стилі ренесансу.

У 1620 році будівництво завершили.
Нова ратуша навпроти Нової церкви (Nieuwe Kerk) стала архітектурним шедевром.
Для де Кейзера цей проєкт став особливим, адже виявився одним із останніх у його житті - наступного року архітектора не стало.

Пройшло понад сто років, і художник Ян тен Компе, захоплений красою цієї будівлі, вирішив увічнити її.
Він славився тим, що вимальовував кожну цеглинку, кожне вікно з майже фотографічною точністю.
Але головне - він наповнив площу життям, показавши перехожих, які кудись поспішають, розмовляють чи просто гуляють.

Оскільки картина була зовсім крихітною (меншою за сучасний ноутбук), її створили не для великих музеїв, а для затишної кімнати багатого поціновувача мистецтва.

Завдяки цій роботі ми і сьогодні можемо відчути атмосферу Делфта XVIII століття та побачити будівлю, яка повстала з попелу.

Яку таємницю ратуші ви вважаєте найцікавішою - її середньовічну вежу чи дивовижне відновлення з попелу?
Поділіться своєю думкою в коментарях! 👇

🏛️ Хочете побачити все це на власні очі?
Запрошую вас на захопливу авторську прогулянку Делфтом!
Ми разом пройдемося бруківкою Гроте Маркт, розкриємо секрети старої архітектури та зазирнемо в найзатишніші куточки міста, які часто минають звичайні туристи.

📅 Як забронювати екскурсію:
Напишіть мені в дірект або залиште коментар «ХОЧУ НА ЕКСКУРСІЮ», і я надішлю вам усі деталі та вільні дати!

WHY THIS TINY 1750 PAINTING HOLDS A MASSIVE SECRET?
Imagine a sunny day around the year 1750.
You are standing in the middle of the bustling Grote Markt square in the Dutch city of Delft. Townsfolk in hats and voluminous dresses walk by, the clatter of wheels echoes against the cobblestones, and the city hall rises majestically before you.

This exact moment was captured on a small wooden panel by the Amsterdam painter Jan ten Compe.
His painting is not just a landscape; it is a true time machine that is still kept in a private collection today.
However, if you look closer at the city hall itself, it tells another, much more dramatic story.

130 years before the artist picked up his brush, a completely different, old medieval city hall stood on this very spot. But in the winter of 1618, disaster struck - a massive fire broke out.

The flames virtually reduced the building to ashes. Amid the ruins, only one structure miraculously survived: a stern medieval stone tower that had remembered ancient times.

The city needed a new symbol.
To rebuild it, they invited one of the best masters of that era - the architect Hendrick de Keyser. He decided not to destroy what had withstood the flames.
De Keyser showed true genius: he took the old medieval tower and seamlessly integrated it into a new, luxurious Renaissance facade.

Construction was completed in 1620.
The new city hall, located opposite the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), became an architectural masterpiece.
For De Keyser, this project was deeply significant, as it turned out to be one of the last in his life - the architect passed away the following year.

More than a century passed, and painter Jan ten Compe, captivated by the beauty of this building, decided to immortalize it. He was famous for painting every single brick and window with almost photographic precision.

Most importantly, he filled the square with life, showing passersby rushing somewhere, chatting, or simply strolling.
Since the painting was quite tiny - smaller than a modern laptop - it was created not for grand museums, but for the cozy room of a wealthy art lover.

Thanks to this piece, we can still experience the atmosphere of 18th-century Delft today and see the building that rose from the ashes.

Which secret of the city hall do you find most fascinating - its medieval tower or its incredible rebirth from the ashes?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

🏛️ Want to see it all with your own eyes?
Join me for an exciting, custom-guided walking tour of Delft!
Together, we will walk the cobblestones of the Grote Markt, uncover the secrets of ancient architecture, and explore the coziest hidden gems that regular tourists often miss.

📅 How to book your tour:
Send me a DM or leave a comment saying "BOOK A TOUR," and I will send you all the details and available dates!

CASTLES IN THE NETHERLANDS 2026: When Fairy Tales Become RealityImagine passing through massive wrought-iron gates, the ...
21/05/2026

CASTLES IN THE NETHERLANDS 2026: When Fairy Tales Become Reality

Imagine passing through massive wrought-iron gates, the gravel of ancient alleys crunching beneath your feet, while walls that have seen centuries prepare to whisper their secrets to you. This isn’t a movie script - it’s your plan for this weekend!

From May 22 to 25, the Netherlands transforms into a living set for a historical novel.
Dag van het Kasteel (Day of the Castle) kicks off - days when private estates and majestic castles open doors that are usually kept under lock and key.

💌 Theme of the Year: "Love"
This year, the festival is steeped in romance and drama. Forget boring dates - we’ll be talking about marriages of convenience, forbidden love, and the passionate intrigues that swirled through these halls. Believe me, castle residents knew all about "clout" long before it was mainstream! 😅

Where to Visit for Free?
1. Kasteel de Haar (near Utrecht) This is my personal top pick. I’ve written about it before, and it was love at first sight. Between its history, the preserved interiors, and the surrounding park, everything feels like a magical fairy tale.

Special Offer: You can book a private full-day car trip there with me (for 2–3 people).
I’ll show and tell you everything I know and love. I’ll even find the tickets for free entry! 😉

If you prefer a solo stroll, check out these locations:

• Kasteel Oud-Poelgeest (near Leiden): An ideal starting point. The castle and its grounds await you from 11:00 to 16:00. Feel like an aristocrat on a promenade!

• Landgoed Prattenburg (Rhenen): An exclusive opportunity. This garden, hidden behind high gates, is usually closed to the public. Be sure to register for a tour to see this "secret garden."

• Rust en Vreugd (Wassenaar): The name speaks for itself "Peace and Joy." If you're tired of city noise, this is the place. It's free and cozy, but don't forget to register.

• Villa Ockenburgh (The Hague): There will be everything here: music, history, and plenty of love. A very convenient location for residents of The Hague.

• Landgoed Calorama (Noordwijk): Combine the sea breeze with history. Free walks through the territory of this historic estate are exactly what you need for spring inspiration.

• Kasteel Keukenhof (Lisse): Yes, the very castle near the famous gardens! During these days, entry to part of the castle is free. Bonus: Great activities for children.

💡 Adventurer’s Lifehack
Want to find a castle even closer to home? Visit the Dag van het Kasteel website, open the full list, and type "Gratis" into the filter. The system will highlight all the free treasures in your region.

My Advice: Don’t keep this plan a secret! Forward this post to friends and save it to your bookmarks. Weekends like this only happen once a year, and Dutch castles are definitely worth becoming part of your story.

Where will you head first: the secret garden or the majestic castle? 👇

Love,
your Guide to Positivity and
Your Insider in the Netherlands -
Oksana S.

Pictured: De Haar Castle.


27/04/2026

HOW I BECAME PART OF THE ORANGE MADNESS 🧡👑
If you thought you knew how to celebrate birthdays, you simply haven't seen the Netherlands on April 27th! I just got back from Delft, and it was absolutely incredible! 🇳🇱
Imagine: you wake up, and the entire city - from the ancient canals to the narrow streets - is drowned in bright orange.
This is Koningsdag or King’s Day!
Why is everyone so obsessed?
It’s the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. But for the Dutch, it’s not an official parade; it’s an excuse to throw the biggest party in the world!
And the main rule is - you must wear orange.
I couldn’t resist either and added this color to my look, because without it, you’re like an alien here!😅
What was it like in Delft?
Delft is usually cozy and quaint, but on King’s Day, it turns into a giant street market (Vrijmarkt).
• The flea market of dreams: Anyone can take their old stuff, toys, or vinyl out of their house and sell it right on the sidewalk. I saw kids playing guitars for a few euros and adults hunting for antique Delft porcelain!
• Canals and music: There are boat traffic jams on the water. Everyone is dancing, laughing, and music is blasting from everywhere. It’s an atmosphere of freedom that’s hard to put into words!
• The taste of the holiday: A mandatory ritual is eating a Tompouce (a very sweet pastry), which is specially made with orange icing for this day. Super sweet and very Dutch! 🍰
How long does it last?
Actually, the partying starts the night before - during King’s Night. But the main energy happens on April 27th, from early morning until sunset.
It was a day of unity, genuine smiles, and incredible vibes. If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, time it for the end of April - you won't regret it!
How do you feel about such massive street celebrations?
Would you want to be in the middle of this orange sea? 👇

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Zaporozhye

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

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