Although Amsterdam is frequently considered the jewel of the country, the lively city of Rotterdam has rightly for its place. Famous for the monumental architecture, for the innovative culture attracted by biggest market on Europe, Rotterdam is a city of art and creativeness. Be it weekend or merely including it in your trip across the Netherlands, this city has a lot to offer. Below are ten things that are a must do and see during your visit to the city of Rotterdam and its outstanding features.
A City Reborn: Rotterdam Spirit
Rotterdam’s history can be considered as the history of gradual rising from the ashes. Besides, it is relevant to add that during the Second World War the city became a theater of fierce fighting and the historical architecture of Baku was significantly damaged. But unlike many architectural victims of war, Rotterdam did not have to reminisce about the golden days: the latter was a chance to start from scratch. The city fast restored and modernised and grabbed the futuristic architectural styles and became the monument of the modern and futuristic style. Today Rotterdam is a creative and determined city which in many ways symbolizes human creativity and people’ constant strive to reconstruct.
1. The Cube Houses: ”Rotterdam – The Architectural Marvel”
The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) built in 1984 are one of the city’s most recognizable architectural masterpieces by architect Piet Blom. These are creative houses mainly located in the city and have the look of houses that are leaning as they are constructed in molded cubes. This was the idea behind the Cube Houses where Berlage was to design densified dwelling units with most of the area dedicated to pavement.
Each cube is rotated 45 degrees and sits upon a hexagonal bar shaped wooden pole. They are house with complete facilities, living area accommodated in three stories of the building. The concept is to depict a helper abstract forest and each house seems like a tree. Tourists also have an opportunity to spend a night at Stayokay Hostel which is situated in one of the houses; this will give a lucky chance to see how the famous Cube Houses look like from the inside.
Right next to the Cube Houses, there is another extraordinary building which is called the ‘Pencil Building’ (Het Potlood) mostly because of its cylindrical shape and the pointed roof. Both these buildings from an aesthetical point of view are monuments of Rotterdam city which attracts many tourists and lovers of architecture.
2.The Old Port (Oude Haven): Rotterdam and its Seaport History
Old Harbour or the Oude Haven is one of the most beautiful sites to visit situated in the Maritime Province of Rotterdam. This is one of the oldest harbors in the city and probably can be said to have been established in about 1350. Although today nothing can be found as it was active and busy, it still remains an amazing view of the modern Rotterdam connecting it with the seaport history. It has a blend of Architectural designs ranging from contemporary structures and ancient wooden boats which are still stagnated in the harbour.
Currently Oude Haven is one of the most preferred restaurants and relaxation district. There are many cafes, bars and restaurants just in front of the waterfront that can be a good place for resting. Examples of these are Vader Kleinjan, which is actually a small cafe where one can get a warm beverage in a cold winter’s day. The Spanjaardsbrug bridge with an architecture complements the design of the area and it is a perfect place to make beautiful shots for photography.
Because Rotterdam is indeed a city that is so closely linked to the maritime history, everyone who wants to get more acquainted with the topic should visit the nearby Maritime Museum. It hosts models of the ships, maps, drawings, and other ship’s belongings which represent the past and history of this city as the commerce city and naval fleet. I like the fact that it lets you know more about the relation to the sea the city of Rotterdam has and how it developed into one of the most important seaports of the world.
3.Stadhuis: The City Hall as the last line of defense
Serving as Rotterdam’s administrative center and located right in between towering concrete monsters of modern architecture is the City Hall or Stadhuis. City Hall as a Neo-Renaissance building was constructed between 1914 and 1920; it was one of the few structures that remained standing after the Second World War bombings. It relates a rich architectural style, represented by a bell tower, which is 71 meters high, and a statue of an angel made from gold on its peak.
Tourists are enabled to visit the inside of the City Hall with the interior features, especially the central court, featuring marvelous molding and other carving works. It is protected by law as a National Heritage Site to authenticate the social-cultural and historical importance of the building. It goes a long way in illustrating how Rotterdam has had a way of assimilating some of its structures that once existed in regard to the fact that it has been labelled as a city that is progressive.
4. The Euromast Tower:
The Euromast Tower is inevitable for anyone interested in great vistas of Rotterdam. Namely, over 185 meters, this building can be attributed to the numerous tall towers in the Netherlands. Construction started in 1960 and the building was expanded in 1970 with the introduction of the Space Tower to the building height. They can go up to the observation deck that is at 100 meters through an elevator where you get to see the view of the city and the neighboring areas.
The Euromast Tower is situated in Het Park, gardens which are beautiful for taking a stroll around or to even have picnicking. The top offers a good panoramic view of the landscape, and on a good, sunny day one can even identify The Hague or Antwerp. There is also a brasserie and a restaurant at the tower that provides more eating options to the people visiting the tower. In order to cater for the adrenaline junkies, there is abseiling and zip lining in Euromast which gives an adventurous touch to the tour.
5. St. Lawrence Cathedral: The publication of a Gothic Gem
The gothic church of St. Lawrence Cathedral (Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk) remains one of the historical significant points of Rotterdam and the Netherlands’ most grand church. Although during the World War II it was affected severely, it was once again rebuilt in the Gothic style and is now used as the cathedral. The glaring architectural design was seen with flying towers and flamboyant stonework which made the whole appearance appealing.
It has a policy where one pays a fee to get in to the cathedral; this fee is used in maintenance and to pay for events with some cultural flavor. That’s why inside you can see the beautiful stained-glass windows and the organ – the pride of the local community. The cathedral is frequently used for plays of violin and piano, something that practically enhances the beauty of the composition and the structure of the building.
To the left from Cathedral Square is the sculpture of one of the world’s greatest minds of the early Renaissance, the Dutch philosopher, theologian, and humanist – Erasmus of Rotterdam. These remarks suggest that Erasmus desired to groom men who would spur European humanists to forward the European Renaissance, hence Erasmus’ role therein Erasmus’ legacy remains relevant in modern education and philosophy. The square is quite interesting providing a pleasant walking area and a glance at Rotterdam’s intellectual underlining.
6.Markthal: A delight to gastronomes and a feast for architects alike
The Markthal also known as the Market Hall is a great example of Rotterdam’s progressive city. This horseshoe-shaped building serves multiple purposes: it’s used to accommodate office space and residential queens and on the first level, is a popular food market. The Markthal is clearly a place where people want to get cuisine, but it also has the tremendous arch and glass front.
Inside ‘The Markthal’ is painted with an artistic piece popularly known as ‘Horn of Plenty’ by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam on the ceiling. The artwork which is painted on a tall wall paints larger than life pictures of fruits, vegetables and other food stuffs in an attempt to embrace diversity of food. It consists of shops where the buyers can find almost everything – from meat, fish, vegetables and fruits to foreign kitchen and specialties of the region’s countries.
Markthal is not very far from the Cube Houses, so it can be suggested that the two places can be visited together. This is the perfect place for some traditional Dutch sweets like stroopwafels and poffertjes or meals from the different parts of the world. By virtue of the numerous food hall and live music hall, it can be said that the Markthal is certainly worthy of the visit, especially for gourmet lovers and fans of architecture.
7. Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum:
In the specified piece, Klimt presented the viewers with a Journey Through Art as they walked through the passageway of Gustav Klimt’s paintings.
Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum is amongst the most important art galleries in Rotterdam showcasing artistic pieces that started from the mediaeval period and ending with the modern arts The museum has collections of artists like Rubens, Van Gogh and Rembrandt and it gives a view of the European art.
Apart from the large and permanent collection, it is worth to visit temporary exhibitions which are devoted to various topics and trends. The very structure of the building has the art deco style of the third decade of the twentieth century and contributes to the cultural component. The given changes, primarily, reflect the problem in connection with the reconstruction of the museum that contributes to the satisfaction of guests and the preservation of the intricate exhibition.
Currently the museum is under construction and is closed for visitors, however one should always visit the website of such place in hopes of future visits. The above points reveal Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum as one of the pride infrastructures of Rotterdam where people get a chance to reflect, to be inspired and to appreciate works of art.
8. Erasmusbrug: The recognizable even worldwide Erasmus Bridge
The Erasmusbrug or Erasmus Bridge is yet another famous bridge; in fact, it has become somewhat symbolic of Rotterdam. This suspended cable bridge crosses the Nieuwe Maas river to join the northern and south areas of the city. Its latest and unique design earned it the popular name “The Swan”, because of the structure’s dynamics, invited-looking asymmetry and its 139 metres high steel pylon in resemblance to a bird’s neck.
Besides, the bridge is functioning as a connector but it also has significant meaning: Rotterdam as an innovative and progressive city. It interconnects with other transport systems for example it can contain cars, trams, bicycles and also pedestrians. Visiting the bridge is beautiful as it provides eye views of the sky line and the busy operation of the port.
I personally recommend watching the Erasmusbrug from the northern of side of the water, close to the point marked on the Google Maps as the “Uitzicht op Erasmusburg.” One can easily have a good view of this bridge especially at dawn or during sunset when the sky turns red. Erasmusbrug is a wonderful structure that symbolizes the creative and progressive Dutch spirit in the seaport of Rotterdam.
9. Luchtpark Hofbogen: Green Access in Rotterdam
Omnipresent references to New York High Line remind that Luchtpark Hofbogen is an experimental urban park on a retired viaduct. This stratum is sculptured above the main office buildings, and thus it stands very close to the central square of Rotterdam and gives a quiet corner in the middle of the business district. It is among the projects that seek to transform former structures into social plazas for people to congregate.
Despite the fact that the project is still under construction, there are already some accessible parts in Luchtpark Hofbogen. Westeros Park consist of floral and fountains along with sculptures and performance plazas, which include benches that allow the people to take a rest and watch the city skyline. picnicking, relaxing, walking or just plain jogging, this is one park that is worth the visit.
Rotterdam, as put in Luchtpark Hofbogen, must be painted as a city ready to embrace sustainable methods of urban planning ad efficient use of the available spaces. Future development of the project in the mold of Parkview will revolve around becoming one of the biggest attractions for the tourist and locals since it will be an island of green space in the middle of the concrete jungle that is the city.
10. Katendrecht: The Hipster Neighborhood
Katendrecht, which saw its days as a working dockland district, has turned into one of Rotterdam’s most popular districts. This small peninsula has since become a creative quarter with CDPs such as cultural centres, cafes, bars and restaurants. Rotterdam and particularly the neighborhood has been noted as one of the best places to find the cultural aspect of modern city life.
Tourists in Katendrecht can get special coffee in small cafes or try different types of beer in breweries or choose the food they like. It is a calm place with nice views of the skyline of Rotterdam; thus, it can be visited just for a walk. Such cosmopolitan touch and modern style that is set within the framework of a maritime district makes the area of Katendrecht very unique.
Fortunately, this case of cultural rejuvenation is true as shown by the transformation of Katendrecht area as a proof of Rotterdam’s uniqueness. Due to the numerous art galleries and liberal scenes, the neighborhood is perfect for visitors interested in the modern side of the city.
Extra: Day Out in a Boat in Rotterdam
Rotterdam also has a large concentration of water and a history of maritime so taking a boat is perhaps the best way. Boat tours are also available where different operators provide completely different views of the architecture of Rotterdam, and the port and skyline. Such tours are usually accompanied by historical information about the city and its evolution, thus, providing important information about its changes.
Having a tour in the water of Maas River either in a slow cruise or a thrilling speed boat ride, makes one see the beauty of Rotterdam in a different perspective. It is a chance to savor the old and new fleets of magnificent sea vessels right from the historic trading ships to the modern day‘s towering skyscrapers. In essence, a boat tour is one of the ways that best concludes your visit to this alive and changing city.
Conclusion
Rotterdam is a truly individualistic city which dynamically changes and sets a new perspective on the architectural and planning approach. The city boasts a set of today’s architectural marvels that ranges from Cube Houses and Markthal to historical St. Lawrence Cathedral and the vivid Old Port. Regardless of whether one is interested in architecture, has a passion for food or is just on the look for a new travel destination, Rotterdam might just be the place for you.
This quality of innovation and adaptability is reflected in the city’s neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and even public square. Rotterdam is a city that is not ashamed of its history but at the same time it is oriented towards the future. Every place and event makes a contribution to the rich and diverse image of this amazing city which is why Rotterdam is a place that should be visited.