Aelbrechtskolk (Aelbrecht Waterway), Rotterdam

Standing at the northern end of Aelbrechtskolk, close to Schiedamseweg, facing south, you are bound to see the narrow stretch of water extending ahead of you. From here, the rows of old brick houses, waterside terraces, and moored boats give Delfshaven a very different appearance from modern central Rotterdam.

Before walking on, take a look at The Old Lock Cafe, sitting on the corner behind you. This spot is especially significant because, back in the day, the actual lock was indeed here. After Count Aelbrecht van Beieren granted Delft permission, in 1389, to dig its own waterway to the Maas, the Delfshavense Schie was constructed so that Delft could avoid paying port dues to Rotterdam and Schiedam. Around the year 1400, an opening was made through the sea dyke, protected by a lock that could be closed at high water. That first lock was replaced and moved in 1594. The present café, dating from the early 20th century, stands on the exact site of that structure.

If you walk south along the waterside, with the canal on your right, eventually, you will see on your left the substantial historic building at Aelbrechtskolk 12. This is the former Delfshaven Town Hall, recognizable by its broad brick façade and high hipped roof. Built originally in 1580 and later altered, it eventually served as Delfshaven's town hall. Today it houses The Pilgrim Brewery. Here, visitors can enjoy a historic setting with a pint of local brew.

Continue a bit farther along the same side of the water. Ahead, on your left, is the Old Church of the Pilgrim Fathers. You can tell it by its broad brick front, tall arched windows, and the small wooden bell tower rising above the roof. The church emerged from a chapel completed in 1417 and is one of the most important historic buildings in Delfshaven.

Particularly, it is famous for its association with the Pilgrim Fathers. In 1620, the English religious exiles embarked from the nearby harbour toward North America aboard the ships Speedwell and eventually Mayflower. If the church is open, step inside and look for the stained-glass window showing the Speedwell in the north transept. There is also a permanent exhibition about the Pilgrims in the Ankie Verbeek-Ohr room.