Rotterdam

 

Rotterdam is a major port city in the western Netherlands, located in South Holland. With a population of 600,015 (as of January 2023), it is the second-largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. Including the wider municipality, it has 671,125 residents, while the larger Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area exceeds 2.4 million inhabitants. Geographically, it is the largest city in the Netherlands, covering 319.4 km².

The city derives its name from a dam built on the River Rotte. It lies on the Nieuwe Maas, a distributary of the Rhine River. Once the world’s largest port, Rotterdam remains the most important port in Europe, extending 40 km and serving as a key logistical and economic hub. The city’s strong industrial heritage has earned it a reputation as a working-class centre with a diverse population.

Following the near-total destruction of its historic centre during a German bombing in 1940, Rotterdam emerged as a centre of innovative architecture. Iconic landmarks include the Erasmus Bridge, Cube Houses, and numerous skyscrapers. Cultural highlights include the Erasmus University, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kunsthal, and football clubs like Feyenoord. In 1948, Queen Wilhelmina granted Rotterdam the motto “Stronger Through Struggle” for its resilience.

Historical Highlights

• The settlement of Rotta, dating back to the 9th century, was abandoned in the 12th century due to flooding. Around 1270, a dam was built at Hoogstraat, giving the city its name.
• Rotterdam gained city rights from Count Willem IV of Holland on 7 June 1340. Defensive walls were gradually added, culminating in a stone wall completed by the 16th century.
• During the Hook and Cod Wars (1488–1490), Jonker Frans van Brederode used Rotterdam as a base, significantly boosting its status.
• The late Gothic St. Lawrence Church, built between 1449 and 1525, was the city’s first and only stone building during the Middle Ages.

Today, we ventured on a tour with a water taxi along the Nieuwe Maas, an excellent way to see the city and the extensive buildings currently under construction. A delightful, fun day with Marianne and Frederik who shared many parts of the city that we so easily could have missed. It was special for us all to be together.