Zuiderkerk Church, Delft

Tucked away in a charming courtyard in the historic city of Delft, the Zuiderkerk is a fascinating landmark that reflects over a century of religious and cultural transformation. Built in 1888, this former Dutch Reformed church was designed by G. van der Kaaden and combines elements of classicism and Renaissance architecture, giving it a distinctive character amidst Delft’s traditional streetscape. Originally constructed for a congregation that had recently separated from the Dutch Reformed Church under the influence of theologian Abraham Kuyper, it soon became known as the Zuiderkerk.

Throughout its history, the church has witnessed significant changes. In 1897, its congregation merged with the Christian Reformed Churches in Delft, forming part of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. However, by the mid-20th century, declining membership led to its closure. The building experienced a surprising evolution-from serving as a hardware store in 1965 to a flea market in 1983-before being purchased in 1990 by the evangelical congregation “Morgenstond.”

A major renovation followed, including the creation of a multi-functional space with a main church hall on the first floor accommodating 600 people, and a unique baptismal pool ingeniously integrated beneath the stage. Since 1992, the Zuiderkerk has been an active hub for worship and community gatherings once again.

Today, visitors can admire not only its architectural beauty but also its rich, layered history-a testament to Delft’s evolving spiritual landscape and the resilience of its historic buildings.