Remember those floods that I mentioned in my previous post on Amsterdam? They happened in the 1100’s and wiped out the region initiating a strategy of water containment via dams. Rotterdam was in that region as well. The plan for this area began with installing dam on the Rotte river, hence the name, Rotterdam. Catching a theme here?
Not only is Rotterdam positioned on the Rotte river and the North Sea, it is also located at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas channel which leads into the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt waterways giving it access to the heart of Western Europe via water. This kind of geography has made this city the hub of shipping across Europe and now includes extensive distribution systems via rail and roads. It is the largest seaport in Europe and the 6th largest in the world following a host of Asian cities. I highly recommend taking the port tour. Being a type A personality who is highly organized this tour highlights a level of maritime organizational skill that is mind-blowing!
During both world wars this city was host to some activities that would make for a great spy novel. Because Holland was neutral for World War 1, Rotterdam became a hot bed for spy activity on both sides. M16 had its European headquarters hidden in the city to scoop up German secret agents to take them to Britain and ultimately execute them. During the Nazi occupation of Holland during World War II the German leadership recognized the strategic value of this city and sent the Luftwaffe to bomb this city. The entire downtown area was destroyed and over 80,000 people were made homeless. Both Amsterdam and Rotterdam have several monuments to this era including tributes to the American troops who fought and died on behalf of the Dutch. They are quite moving.
Rotterdam was rebuilt from the ashes from 1950 to 1970 and instituted a new architectural policy that brought new styles in building and design along with a thriving business district. In fact, Rotterdam was voted 2015 European City of the Year by the Academy of Urbanism. And can I just say, it deserves the title. World class shopping, festivals, dining, museums, sports, diverse architecture, and the Euromast.
I understand there to be a healthy competition between Amsterdam and Rotterdam locals with sayings like, “Amsterdam to party, Den Haag to live, Rotterdam to work” or “If Amsterdam has it, Rotterdam doesn’t need it”. While there may be a rivalry, as a visitor, I view them as sibling cities and quite complimentary to one another. Both worth a visit, but I much prefer to get my kicks in Amsterdam!
Next up, Tulips and Windmills…
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