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| Rotterdam is one of the few thoroughly
modern cities in Holland, offering adventuresome modern architecture and
delightful culture. The city centre, apart from the City Hall, was almost
completely destroyed by bombing in World War II, so had to be gradually
rebuilt from the 1950s on. Modern Rotterdam seems to specialize in high
buildings, having the tallest residential building in Holland (the New
Orleans Tower, 158.35 metres), the tallest office building (Maastoren,
164.75 metres) and The Euromast, a 186 metre tower visible from miles
around, giving a superb view of the city, the River Maas and the port.
Rotterdam has the Netherlands Architecture Institute and the Berlage
Institute of architecture, which may explain the presence of so many modern
landmarks. |
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Another is the iconic Erasmus
Bridge, one of the most photographed in Holland, which has appeared in
several Hollywood movies. Designed by Ben van Berkel and opened by Queen
Beatrix in 1996, the deck is suspended on cables from a 139 metre high
asymmetric pylon. At 808 metres it is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the
world. This powerful structure is floodlit at night, allowing for some great
photographs.
With its mix of small
independent boutique-style shops and international megastores, shopping in
Rotterdam has something for everyone, and all budgets. The first
pedestrianised shopping streets in Holland, the Lijnbaan, opened in 1953,
since when several modern shopping centres have been built in the city.
Customers have a choice of shopping in a mall or vibrant street atmosphere,
and shops in the city centre open 7 days a week, something still unusual in
Holland. |
Since Rotterdam is ‘the gateway
to Europe’ and one of the busiest ports in the world, a visit to the
Maritime Museum seems appropriate (closed Mondays). Five minutes walk from
Erasmus Bridge, the museum’s exhibits include model ships, a multi-media
show about the port, and an exploration of navigation from early maps to
GPS. Children will enjoy the ‘Real Pirates’ exhibition, as well as the
opportunity to help Professor Splash get ready for his next voyage by
sorting fish, loading and unloading ships and deciding on his next
destination.
Continuing the nautical theme,
you could take a trip on Splashtours’ amphibious bus, which will show you
the main sights of the city followed by a trip on the Maas River in the same
vehicle. (Departs from the bus stop next to the Maritime Museum and lasts an
hour.)
In 2010, Rotterdam was voted
World Festival and Event City, and visitors from all over the world attend
its many and varied cultural festivals in summer and winter. In April the
Stand Out To Sea Festival fills the inner harbor with arts and culture for
three days, bringing together artists, musicians, DJs and story-tellers. In
June the 5-day Summer Carnival and Dunya Festival floods the city with
colourful music and dance, literature, theatre and street carnival. In
December it’s the Now and Wow Festival of electronic music, pop culture,
fashion, design and art and theatre. Also in December, China Light Rotterdam
hits The Park at the Euromast, with dazzling laser shows and live Chinese
song and dance, set among fantastic light sculptures including a 100 metre
long dragon!
Sport is also a big feature of
Rotterdam, with three professional football clubs including Feyenoord,
Europe’s most successful baseball team, and long traditions of boxing,
basketball and swimming. Its annual international marathon is on one of the
fastest courses in the world, and the city is bidding to hold the 2018 Youth
Olympics.
The Ladiesrun Rotterdam
marathon in June intriguingly claims to “combine competitive running with
shopping and good company”, so cleverly exploiting three of Rotterdam’s
greatest assets! |
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