Rotterdam is often referred to as the "center of global distribution" because of its huge port, where cargo tankers with a variety of goods from all over the world dock. The city began to fulfill this function by the 17th century. Despite its rather solid age, Rotterdam is a progressive city, where unusual architectural projects are welcomed and new technologies rule the ball.
Some tourists believe that Rotterdam is an example of urban architecture of the future. The rest of Europe will reach this level in fifty years. Indeed, unusual cubic houses or a bizarre combination of traditional urban planning with unusual solutions in the interior of the Church of St. Lawrence can both delight and puzzle.
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What to see and where to go in Rotterdam?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Rotterdam Town Hall
The city hall was built recently - at the beginning of the 20th century. The structure was significantly damaged during the Second World War, but still it was not completely destroyed. A new corillon with 48 bells was installed on the town hall tower. On the facade there is a statue of the patroness of Rotterdam and sculptures that embody the national characteristics of the Dutch: perseverance, reliability, entrepreneurial spirit and caution.
Boijmans Museum - van Beuningen
The largest art gallery in the country, which contains valuable paintings, graphic drawings, sculpture and other art objects by recognized masters. The museum was founded in the middle of the 19th century; the basis of the collection was made up of exhibits from the personal collection of F. Boisman. In the middle of the 20th century, entrepreneur Daniel Van Beuningen also donated part of his collection to the museum.
Maritime Museum
The museum is considered one of the best in the world. It mainly contains exhibits related to the maritime theme: ship models, ship equipment, maps, navigation devices and much more. The museum also has an impressive outdoor collection. In this part of the exhibition, you can see real ships, various mechanisms and elements of the port infrastructure.
Church of St. Lawrence
The temple belongs to the Protestant community and is the only medieval building in Rotterdam. It was built in the 15th-16th centuries. From the outside, the church looks quite traditional, but from the inside it looks more like a modern art gallery. There is a cafe, an original installation of mirrors and a whole wall of electric lamps, which apparently symbolize candles.
White House in Rotterdam
The Art Nouveau building, one of the few surviving structures after the bombing of the Second World War. The White House was built at the very end of the 19th century according to the design of W. Molenbruck. Due to the instability of swampy soils, the foundation is supported on piles. Critics of the construction site believed that such a "whopper" would not last even several years, could not bear its own weight. However, the White House is still in excellent condition.
Cubic houses
A unique and innovative project by the Danish architect P. Blom, which is a whole street of houses turned upside down and placed on one corner. Living in such structures is considered prestigious, so they are occupied by wealthy citizens. One of the houses is adapted for a museum, where tourists can see what is happening inside. Some residents also offer guided tours of their quirky apartments.
Market "Markthal"
Huge retail space and residential apartments located in the same building. The complex was built in 2014. It has become a real gourmet pilgrimage site. Markthal has everything to cook almost any dish from any cuisine of the world: spices, exotic fruits, rare additives, a whole supermarket of Asian products. And that's not to mention dozens of varieties of the most common tomato.
Railway station building
The modern station building was erected in 2013 on the site of the old one, which was demolished. Natural elements were used to decorate the interior, many of the details are made of wood. The building is covered with a glass dome, through which maximum sunlight gets inside. Thanks to this design, artificial lighting is practically not used at the station, which significantly saves money.
Port of Rotterdam
The largest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It is an industrial and cargo harbor on the North Sea. Most of its territory is occupied by docks and office buildings. The history of the port dates back to the Middle Ages. Since then, it has been constantly developing and expanding, now its length is about 40 km, the area is more than 10 thousand hectares, the port receives up to 30 thousand ships and tankers annually.
Erasmus bridge
The cable-stayed structure, thrown across the Meuse River, connects the northern and southern parts of the city. The bridge was erected in 1996 by the architect B. van Berkel, the opening took place in the presence of the Queen. The bridge was nicknamed "The Swan" because of the unusual curved design of the main support tower. The building was named after Erasmus of Rotterdam, a humanist, philosopher and writer.
Euromast
The famous lookout tower and one of the city's most popular landmarks. It was built in the second half of the 20th century. The building is 180 meters high. The observation deck offers a magnificent view of Rotterdam. Inside there are two restaurants for visitors. For fans of extreme sports, there is an opportunity to go down with the help of climbing equipment.
District Delfshaven
A real corner of old Rotterdam, lined with canals and lined with charming Dutch houses. This area managed to survive during the Second World War and retain its historical appearance. There is an old brewery, a real windmill, many nice shops and cafes. In this place you can have a very pleasant time and enjoy the spirit of the past.
Zoo "Diergaarde Blijdorp"
One of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, which began in the middle of the 19th century with a private collection of birds. The zoo had to endure closure, relocation and bombing in 1940, which resulted in the death of many animals. Fortunately, the rest of the inhabitants were saved, and after a few months the zoo was restored. In 2001, an oceanarium was opened on the territory.
Botanical Garden "Arboretum Trompenburg"
The city's botanical garden is home to an impressive variety of trees, flowers, shrubs and herbs collected from all over the planet. The collection began to be assembled in the second half of the 19th century. The garden is divided into several thematic zones; a system of canals and ponds has been created on the territory. Thanks to the magnificent landscape design, the park has become a favorite walking place for the townspeople.
Kinderdijk
The famous valley of the windmills, located a few kilometers from Rotterdam. The mill system was built in the 18th century for the purpose of regulating the water level. But the problem was not solved - the territory was constantly flooded. In 1997, Kinderdijk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the moment, this is one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.
