Rotterdam - The playground of architecture
Feast for the eyes
Some time ago, I visited Rotterdam for just a few hours. However, that was enough time to be enchanted by the city.
Until recently, Rotterdam was the largest port in the world and is still the largest in Europe. Water is omnipresent, as it is throughout the Netherlands, but this is not the only feature that characterizes the city.
Architecture lives here
Start at Centraal
I would say that what characterizes it is its rich, mainly modern architecture. During my long walk, in the hours I had at my disposal, I felt like I was walking according to Wallpaper*'s suggestions. Amazing design everywhere, incredible geometric designs on unique buildings and countless engineering marvels parade before your eyes.
If you come to Rotterdam by train, the central station, Centraal, with its surreal appearance, will give you a first, accurate taste of what awaits you in the city.
“Sterker door strijd (Stronger through struggle)”
A food market like you’ve never seen
One awesome place to check out is definitely the Markthal, maybe the weirdest food market you've ever seen in Europe. It is a huge horseshoe-shaped "canopy" covered with a colorful mural by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam.
Of course, when you find yourself at the Markthal, you will probably leave it behind and cross over to gaze at the world-famous Kubuswoningen, the cube-shaped houses designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom.
Imagine my surprise when, as I was photographing Kubuswoningen, a window opened and a jockey hat fell out in front of me!
Dreams of a better life
A ship that is part of collective memory, the SS Rotterdam (also known as "The Grande Dame") is now a hotel/museum, but it was once the largest ocean liner ever built in the Netherlands. It is permanently moored in the Katendrecht district.
Nearby is the Hotel New York, once the headquarters of the Holland America Line. A historic landmark, this was the departure
point for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America. From here, I suggest taking a water taxi (which runs at excessive speed), passing by the SS Rotterdam and ending up opposite, at Het Park, to continue your walk.
Het Park is a beautiful, small park dominated by the Euromast (there is also a restaurant inside).
Unfortunately, Rotterdam was razed to the ground by the Germans during World War II, and after the war ended, it was decided to rebuild it from scratch as a brand new, modern city. That is why it is almost surprising to come across an old building or landmark, such as the Laurenskerk Cathedral.
However, the masterpiece that captivated me was the famous Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug). It is an 802-meter cable-stayed bridge, better known as "The Swan" because of the impressive design of its strange 139-meter-high pillar. It was designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel and completed in 1996.
Amsterdam usually claims the title of the most interesting Dutch city, but Rotterdam is really a trip I want to take again, to discover it photographically at my own pace.
A beautiful city!
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