The sights of Rotterdam definitely deserve attention of everyone who likes to travel around Europe. For many hundreds of years, it has been a major trading and port city due to its convenient location in the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt River delta. During the Second World War, the city center was almost completely destroyed, but after the end of the war, it gradually recovered and quickly regained its former status.
Rotterdam can also boast fantastic architecture and the presence of many historical attractions. To make a perfect route, use the privileges of the Rotterdam Card.
When is it better to go to Rotterdam?
The largest number of tourists come to Rotterdam from April to September — at this time the weather is most favourable, entertainment events and numerous concerts are held. You can also stroll through the picturesque parks, visit the open-air cinema and admire the tulip gardens.
If you find yourself here on April 27, you will become part of a grand celebration — the King’s Day, which is arranged in honour of the royal family of the Netherlands. Orange sweets are sold in stores, and locals wear clothes and hats of this colour.
St. Lawrence Church
The large St. Lawrence Church is all that remains of medieval Rotterdam, as most of the ancient buildings of the city were destroyed during the Second World War. This is a late Gothic church of the XV century located on the Grote Kerkplein square.
The church is known for its three organs, the largest of which stands on a marble base at the inner wall of the tower. The bronze doors of the main entrance dedicated to the theme of “War and Peace” were designed by the Italian artist Giacomo Manza. There is a statue of Erasmus of Rotterdam in front of the church.
Cubic houses
Cubic houses, as you can guess from the name, are a complex of dwellings in the shape of a cube. This bizarre and eccentric project was designed by Pete Blom, and the cubes that make up the complex are tilted at an angle of 45 degrees.
One of the “cubes” is open to the public, so you can satisfy your curiosity and find out what the interior looks like from the inside. Many people say that from afar, this whole structure resembles a decoration from some old 2D computer game.
Central Station
Rotterdam is a city full of modern and unique architecture, and the central station is no exception. The building has a triangular shape, which seems to point to the sky. The clock and massive letters installed at the entrance to the station were moved from the old station – this is a kind of tribute to the traditions of the past.The station has connections to many other important cities in the country, including Amsterdam, Den Haag, Groningen and Tilburg. More than 100,000 passengers pass through its doors every day.
