Synagogue in Kampen

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 northern façade of the synagogue is positioned along the Graaf Hendriksteeg but the building can be accessed via the Jufferenstraat. A Neo-Classical brick gate can be found at the entrance of the terrain of the synagogue. It contains a Hebrew inscription of Psalm 55:15 and dates back to 1855. The synagogue, which was consecrated in the same year, was situated in a redeveloped sixteenth-century private residence. During this redevelopment, the building was provided with new pointed arched windows and a women's gallery along one side of the wall. The first floor of the building was opened up in order to create a larger assembly hall. The Torah ark (dated ca. 1799) was taken from the former synagogue in Arnhem, located at the Betincksteeg. After the Second World War, the Jewish community of Elburg merged with Apeldoorn in the year 1947. The Torah ark and bimah were subsequently relocated to the synagogue in Winterswijk. A Hanukah menorah of the original synagogue can be found in the municipality building of Elburg. The building is currently used for cultural activities.