The Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk was erected between 1470 and 1518 on a site where churches had been built since the 10th century. The church, originally Catholic, became Protestant in 1573. It has had no religious function since 1996 and now houses a museum on the history of the building. The Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk contains the oldest church organ that can still be played in the Netherlands, dating from 1511.
In 1808, a private house was redeveloped as a synagogue. The building was expanded and the current front façade with its neoclassical entrance, which looked very similar to the synagogue in Enkhuizen, was added After a subsequent expansion in 1844, the interior was changed according to the plans of the architect W.D. du Croix. On both sides of the entrance an inscription can be found with the date (5)586 and (5)604 according to the Hebrew calendar which respectively corresponds with 1826 and 1844. The front entrance originally contained other Hebrew inscriptions referring to Haggai 2:9 and Psalm 55:15. A renovation of the building took place in 1932 by the architect A. Eczas and functioned as a synagogue until 1942. Ten years later, the building was sold to the Baptist community and was therefore subsequently used as a church.
St. Anthony's Church was built in 1671. Following the Reformation it became a Dutch Reformed Church. In the 1960s it was officially decommissioned.
The Synagogue in Zaandam is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed in 1865 by architect L.J. Immink. The synagogue was restored in 1950 and in 1974. In use until WWII, sold in 1974, this brick building now serves as an art centre.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter