Rotterdam is probably known by most people as a major ferry terminal, and for some of those, just a drive through city to begin or end their holiday!! It is however a worthy centre and some time should be given to exploring the city and enjoying the places of interest, the shopping and the restaurants.
Rotterdam is a historic city with a modern look, this is due to fact that the old city centre was basically leveled during World War II from heavy bombing by the Germans in 1940. Today the city is the second largest metropolitan area in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, being home to an estimated 1.2 million people. The city population is very cosmopolitan and is comprised of approximately half Dutch and half from non-industrialised nations, with an estimated 25% being Muslim. Like much of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is located on an area of reclaimed land, however this area is the lowest in the Netherlands at 6 metres below sea level!! The city has been rebuilt with a new and progressive view of structures which began in the 1980’s with architectural merit being the main focus, creating a city known world wide for its revolutionary architecture!!
Although the city lacks the appeal for some visitors of a large historic town centre, there are two areas from the old historic days of Rotterdam that remain, and both are worth seeing. One is the harbour areas of the Oude Haven, or Old Harbour, and the Delfshaven, or Delft Harbour, and the other is the Schielandshuis, the only 17th century building remaining. This building has been restored to show the old Dutch heritage having been furnished with period fittings – it is called the Museum Het Schielandshuis.
This busy city-port traces its history from 1340 when it became a city, and a trans-shipment point for goods, growing into a vital element of the Dutch economy and today is the busiest facility of its kind in Europe. If you are interested in experiencing the harbour, catch a Spido ferry that leaves from the wharf area at the base of the stunning Erasmus Bridge, and from which you can see the magnitude of this huge harbour, the port facilities and some of the amazing architecture of the city.
Tourism in Rotterdam is a major industry with approximately 4 million visitors a year sampling the delights of the city, and although there are few historic sites to see there are enough places of interest to make any visit an exciting and interesting event. For example, a day spent at the Diergaarde Blijdorp, the Royal Zoo, which includes the Oceanium, where you can see sharks, exotic fish and penguins. Or for the more cerebral amongst us there are several museums and galleries such as the Maritime Museum, the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, the Photo Museum and the World Arts Museum to name a few. There is also the Netherlands Architecturure Institute, which is more than just a museum – it owns the worlds largest collection of architectural items!! If its peace and quiet you want though, spend some time at the Arboretum Trompenburg, and if its views you want over the city, climb the Euromast, the highest lookout tower in the Netherlands. Add to this all the delightful shopping, delectable restaurants, several theaters and interesting exhibitions, then it is easy to see that there is something for everyone!! Enjoy!!
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