This picturesque yacht marina is one of the few parts of the old city that survived the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam. It has had a remarkable history, both as the departure point from which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed for America, and the birthplace of prominent Dutch maritime hero Piet Hein.
The Pelgrimvaderskerk dates back to 1761 and still offers echoes of that historic era. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, the church holds services on Sunday. Delfshaven locals once earned their living by fishing for herring and distilling gin. The historic canal houses now hold cosy shops selling antiques and bric-a-brac, art studios, gin bars, beer breweries and down-to-earth eateries. Historic Delfshaven has always managed to retain its authentic charm, with the old-school grain mill known as De Destilleerketel as a prominent landmark.
