Synagogue in Hattem

The first phase of the construction of the basilica took place from 1394 until 1417. There was a second construction phase between 1452 and 1454. During this phase, the nave got closed with a façade and, with the exception of the tower, the church was completely finished. During the third phase of construction, from 1463 until 1483, the tower was finished and six bells were added. On its 600th anniversary, in 1999, the church received the honorary title of basilica.
Today, the basilica is mostly known for the grave of Thomas a Kempis. He is a popular medieval mystic and his book ‘De Imitation Christi’ is known all over the world. His grave is frequently visited by tourist and pilgrims.

The Synagogue in Zwolle is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed in 1899 by architects F.C. Koch and I. Gosschalk. The synagogue was restored in 1991. This brick building still serves as a synagogue.

The Synagogue in Kampen is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed in 1847 by architect N. Plomp. In use until WWII, this brick synagogue in the Neo-Classical style now serves as a museum.
The front façade contains four Tuscan pilasters, flanking the main entrance. The triangular pediment which includes a central tondo window covers the entire width of the façade. The Torah ark was originally furnished in a Neo-Gothic style. During the Second World War, the interior was destroyed but the building itself remained relatively unscathed. The Jewish community of Kampen ceased to exist in the year 1947 after which the building was sold and used as storage space and garage. In 1981, the building was bought by the city of Kampen and subsequently restored and renovated by R. G. Busser (Monumentenzorg) in 1983/84. The frieze above the main entrance includes a Hebrew inscription referring to Isaiah 56:7. The pilaster on the left side of the entrance door contains a circular commemorative plaque of 34 Jews of the community in Kampen who died during the war in the concentration camps. After Busser's renovation of the former synagogue was completed, the building was redeveloped as an exhibition space.