Welcome to Rotterdam, the best Rotterdam in the world.
A city of resistance, embodiment of resilience and strength. Beaten down, at various moments in time, only to come back stronger. Before you go out and paint the town blue on August 17, find out here why the city’s motto is “Stronger through struggle” and why water has played an even more important role here than in the rest of the Netherlands. Why this is the city of workers, of warriors, of people who do and don’t bull.
Or, eh, you know. Don’t. We won’t force you, you can also skip this section. Perfectly fine, it’s up to you, because we respect the individual here in Rotterdam, so if you don’t read about our history, that’s all fine by us. Sure. Fine. Whatever.
On the banks of the Rotte: the early history (800-1795)
Harbouring history: the slightly less early history (1795-1940)
City without a heart: The second world war history (1940-1945)
Don't bull, just do: the rebuilding history (1945-1970)
Manhattan on the Maas: the high-rise history (1970-2000)
This city is never gonna get finished: the contemporary history (2000-now)
Bokito borough: from world city to world news
Do we come from Rotterdam, can't you hear then: Famous Rotterdammers
On the banks of the Rotte: the early history (800-1795)
The earliest reference to the settlement of Rotta, where a few centuries later Rotterdam would arise, comes from a document from 1028. The settlement lies on the banks of the Rotte, a peat river that is now mainly used to drain excess water from the polders around Rotterdam. But at that time, water management was not as well-organised as it is now. In fact, the history of the Netherlands is overflowing with stories about the battle against water. So it is in Rotta, which is slowly sinking due to peat extraction in the area. The main industries are agriculture and livestock farming, so the farms stand on mounds that must constantly be raised. Because, as all Ingressers know: wet feet are pretty annoying. This was the life of the Rotta inhabitants from the 9th century, but around 1050 they had enough. The floods became too severe, the ground increasingly wetter, not a single mop to be found, and the settlement was abandoned
A few hundred years later, around the 12th century, a sea dike was constructed to protect the neighbouring areas of Schieland and Delfland from the North Sea. Then in 1270, a dam was built in the Rotte and a settlement emerged again: Rotterdam. The inhabitants mainly lived from fishing, but soon more harbours were built, allowing Rotterdam to grow into a trading place.
Rotterdam continued to grow, and on 7 June 1340, the city paid enough money to Count William IV of Holland to obtain city rights. Around that time, the Rotterdam Schie was also dug, connecting Rotterdam with the Delft Schie. This boosted trade in Rotterdam much to the chagrin of the city of Delft, resulting in a long feud between the two cities. In 1358, the first canals around the city were dug, and in the following centuries the city continued to grow. Between 1449 and 1525, Rotterdam was captivated by an ambitious project: the construction of the Laurenskerk, the only stone building in the city.
In 1568, the Eighty Years' War broke out, but they didn’t know it would last that long at the time. Rotterdam was a bit of an odd one out, as the city remained loyal to the Catholic Spanish king for a long time. Not because they found him so great, but because the Calvinist rebels were supported by the Watergeuzen, who were happily looting from their ships. This negatively impacted trade in Rotterdam, as no one wanted to encounter these pirates. Eventually, after much pressure from the rest of the country, the city’s administration gave in and joined the revolt. Initially, they were not very happy with the new regime, especially since the Geuzen looted the Laurenskerk, but then the great leader himself, William of Orange, arrived in the city. He saw much potential in Rotterdam’s location and often stayed there. He strengthened the defences and used the harbours to launch further attacks with his warships, freeing places like Haarlem and Leiden from Rotterdam.
In 1648, the war ended, but in the meantime, Rotterdam had continued to grow. So much so that by the end of the 17th century, it was the second city of the new Republic in terms of population. The city did not expand beyond the existing walls, though, so the total living area was only 140 hectares, meaning it was even busier than the day before Christmas in Oxford Street. Despite this, there was room for a notable statue, that of the famous Rotterdammer Erasmus. The statue, made by Hendrick de Keyser, was placed next to the Laurenskerk in 1622, which makes it the oldest bronze statue in the Netherlands.
Harbouring history: the slightly less early history (1795-1940)
In 1795 trouble arose again when the French decided to invade. On 19 January 1795, the Batavian Republic was proclaimed, and the pro-Prince city administration of Rotterdam was deposed, leading to the first public elections. Rotterdam could operate relatively independently but fell under the influence of the First French Republic. In 1804, Napoleon I crowned himself emperor in France. Initially, this was fine, but Napoleon had a strong dislike for the English. He decided there should be a boycott, and in 1806 he established the Continental System, which banned all trade with England. This was disastrous for the Rotterdam economy, but luckily, the boycott ended in 1813, and the city could slowly recover. Meanwhile, science did not stand still, and the Industrial Revolution was gaining momentum. Steamships were built, leading to the establishment of the Netherlands Steamship Company (NSbM) in 1823, the first within shipping to use steamships. This also made Rotterdam a city where you could sail to places like Germany and England. When Sinterklaas got his steamship, we don’t know, but he must have first sailed from Rotterdam to Spain to return every year.
In the 19th century, sand became a problem. The Brielse Maas began to silt up, which wasn’t helpful for the ships using that route to reach Rotterdam. Therefore, between 1866 and 1972, the Nieuwe Waterweg was dug, creating a direct connection with the North Sea between Rotterdam and Hoek van Holland. In 1901, the Holland-America Line established itself in Rotterdam. You can still visit the building, which is now a hotel-restaurant called "New York."
In sports, Rotterdam didn’t lag behind. On 1 April 1888, the first and therefore oldest professional football club in the Netherlands was founded: Sparta Rotterdam. After various relocations, the club found its permanent home at Het Kasteel (“The Castle”) in the Spangen district in 1916. Later, two other clubs were founded: one in 1902 and they play here, and another in 1908 and they play here. This makes Rotterdam the city with the most professional football clubs in the Netherlands.
The construction of the Nieuwe Waterweg had significant consequences for Rotterdam’s growth. More harbours meant more jobs, attracting workers from all corners of the world. More space was needed, so Rotterdam expanded in two ways: annexing surrounding municipalities and building new districts. Around 1900, Rotterdam’s population had risen to 315,000.
In 1914, the First World War broke out. The Netherlands was neutral, but Rotterdam played an important role. Due to its central location relative to the countries involved, Rotterdam became the centre of international espionage. The English MI6 established an office on the Boompjes, and the German secret service took up residence in the White House.
Activity in the harbour decreased significantly during the war, but this didn’t stop the city’s population growth. Rotterdam provided shelter for Belgian refugees, German deserters, and Russian prisoners of war who had managed to escape.
In 1918, the war ended. Rotterdam underwent major changes in the following years. Many of the canals were filled in to make more space for housing, but also for imposing buildings and increasing traffic. The Coolsingel gained a town hall designed by architect Henri Evers, a post office designed by architect and government architect G.C. Bremer, and an Exchange, now the World Trade Center Rotterdam, were constructed. The city continued to grow, annexing more municipalities and building more districts in all directions. But in 1940, all that changed...
City without a heart: The second world war history (1940-1945)
On May 10, 1940, the German army invaded the Netherlands, and just four days later, Rotterdam was bombed. The heart of the city was completely destroyed, and thousands of buildings were reduced to rubble. More than 800 people lost their lives, and 80,000 Rotterdammers were left homeless. The destruction of the city center led to the city being nicknamed "city without a heart." The boundary of the destruction is called “the Fire Boundary.”
On May 15, 1953, the sculpture “The Destroyed City” was unveiled at Plein 1940. It was designed by Ossip Zadkine and donated by the management of the department store De Bijenkorf.
After the capitulation of the Netherlands, the German occupation began. Daily life in Rotterdam was characterised by scarcity and oppression. Food, fuel, and other basic necessities were hard to come by, and the residents had to be creative to survive. The ports, which had been a source of prosperity before the war, were now used by the Germans for their war industry.
Toward the end of the war, in the winter of 1944-1945, Rotterdam faced the Hunger Winter. Food supplies collapsed completely, and many Rotterdammers died from malnutrition and cold. The city was severely damaged, both physically and mentally. However, the residents did not lose their resilience and looked forward to better times.
In May 1945, after the liberation of the Netherlands, the Rotterdammers immediately began rebuilding their city. Despite the enormous destruction and losses, the mentality of "don't bull, just do" drove the reconstruction. In 1948, Rotterdam officially added the motto “Stronger through struggle” to its city logo, by the grace of Queen Wilhelmina.
Don't bull, just do: the rebuilding history (1945-1970)
After the devastations of World War II, Rotterdam began an unprecedented rebuilding effort. The priority was the reconstruction of the port, the economic lifeline of Rotterdam. The Rotterdam “Bob the Builder” would say: "Can we fix it? Yes, of course we can, or not, yes ne-uuuh!"
The city took the task on grandly and soon the first modern buildings appeared. In 1953, the Lijnbaan, the first car-free shopping street in Europe, was opened. It symbolised the city’s progressive mentality. Perhaps also a foresight, assuming there was someone back then who predicted the city would eventually be visited by large streams of frogs and Smurfs. Architects and urban planners were given the opportunity to come up with innovative ideas, resulting in a city full of modern architecture. The only thing missing was a futuristic monorail, but a few decades later, an underground variant appeared.
The reconstruction was not without challenges. The housing shortage was severe and many Rotterdammers lived in emergency housing for years. Still, the resilience of the residents was admirable and people continued to believe in a better future. "If necessary, we'll just build a new city on top of the old one."
In 1958, the Euromast was built, an iconic symbol of the new Rotterdam. Designed by architect H.A. Maaskant, the structure offers a spectacular view over the rapidly changing city and quickly became a popular tourist attraction. And if you look down, you see nothing above you. The truly daring, with slightly suicidal tendencies, can even abseil down from it, but most visitors opt for the lift. And the Rotterdammers? They are practical enough to just stay on the ground.
The reconstruction period concluded in the 1970s with the completion of various infrastructure projects, including a further expansion of the port. Additionally, the opposite of a monorail was completed. As the first in the Netherlands, Rotterdam had a metro. If you’re not really the ‘underground’ type, you can also take a water taxi, or one of the many bridges.
Manhattan on the Maas: the high-rise history (1970-2000)
From the 1970s onwards, Rotterdam began a transformation that earned the city the nickname "Manhattan on the Maas." High-rise projects sprang up like mushrooms and Rotterdam's skyline changed dramatically. The new high-rises symbolised the city’s ambition to become an international player in trade, transport, and culture. The only thing missing were yellow taxis, hotdog stands on every corner, and here and there a stray junkie in an Elmo suit. The junkies are there, but their suits are apparently still at the dry cleaners.
One of the most notable projects was the construction of the Erasmus Bridge, also known as "The Swan." The bridge, designed by Ben van Berkel and opened in 1996, connects the north and south of the city and quickly became an icon of Rotterdam. The bridge made international news as it swayed in strong winds.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the city continued to grow and modernise. The first Rotterdam marathon was held on May 23, 1981, attracting participants and spectators from all over the world. This event strengthened the city’s international reputation and became an annual festival.
The city also experienced a cultural boom with the opening of various theaters, museums, and other cultural institutions. Rotterdam increasingly positioned itself as a city of modern architecture and culture, attracting visitors from all over the world. And if you think culture is boring, try walking into a Rotterdam art gallery or museum without being surprised by a strange construction. And you never know what strange statues you will encounter around the corner. Some of them might even have other things ‘plugged in’ next to their phone in a power bank...
This city is never gonna get finished: the contemporary history (2000-now)
In the 21st century Rotterdam continues to develop and renew itself. The city keeps expanding its spectacular new buildings, vibrant cultural scene, and various annual events. If you haven’t gotten lost at least once in the new architecture, you’re not a true tourist.
Rotterdam embraces ambitious construction projects like the Market Hall. The skyline is constantly changing, and the city is always in motion. This continuous development makes Rotterdammers often say: " This city is never gonna get finished." And maybe that’s a good thing – it means there’s always something to complain about, and we’re secretly quite good at that.
In 2014, Rotterdam was named European City of the Year, further enhancing the city’s international allure. More and more tourists are finding their way to Rotterdam, and the city is praised for its variety, hospitality, and dynamism.
Rotterdam always was and always will be a city of diversity and innovation. The port still plays a crucial role in the economy, but other sectors such as technology and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. The city continues to strive for a balance between economic growth and livability. It is currently home to over 670.000 people with over 170 different nationalities.
Bokito borough: from world city to world news
Rotterdam, big in deeds, but sometimes also big in news...
1970 - Woodstock in Kralingen
In 1970, the Holland Pop Festival took place in the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam, also known as the Dutch answer to Woodstock. The three-day festival attracted more than 100,000 visitors and had an impressive line-up featuring artists like Pink Floyd, The Byrds, and Santana. Despite the rainy weather and muddy conditions, the festival was a great success and is still seen as a milestone in Dutch pop history. The atmosphere was free-spirited and hippie-like, with plenty of flowers, music and – let’s be honest – probably more than just the scent of incense in the air. The festival laid the foundation for future large music festivals in the Netherlands and is still nostalgically remembered by those who were there.
1988 – Subtropical swimming fun
Tropicana, was once a bustling subtropical swimming paradise on the Maasboulevard. It opened its doors in 1988 and quickly became a popular destination for families. With its tropical decor, slides, and wave pool, it was a true water haven. However, in 2010 Tropicana closed its doors due to declining visitor numbers and high maintenance costs. Since then the building has served various purposes, including an urban farm and an event venue. The iconic building has since become a nostalgic symbol for many who enjoyed it as children. Although the smell of chlorine and chips may have faded, Tropicana remains in the memories of many as a place of carefree summer days and childhood fun.
1990 – Aussies, gabbers, and (jolly) hardcore
Happy hardcore, a cheerful variant of hardcore and gabber house, emerged in Rotterdam in the early 1990s and was characterised by fast melodies and high-pitched vocals. The genre came to life in Club Parkzicht (now The Harbour Club near the Euromast), where DJ Rob, MC Joe, and later DJ Paul Elstak experimented with new sounds, leading to the rise of a unique dance style. Rotterdam became a haven for house music lovers, thanks to the efforts of DJs and producers who made the city a cradle for house music. Gabbers, recognisable by their shaved heads, branded tracksuits, and Nike Air Max, formed a subculture with a love for hard beats and even harder substances to dance the night away. Happy hardcore became popular among a wider audience thanks to artists like Charly Lownoise and Mental Theo, and Paul Elstak achieved great success with hits like "Love U More" and "Rainbow in the Sky". This musical heritage gives Rotterdam a special place in the world of electronic music.
1997 – Distinguished visitors: The Clintons in Rotterdam
In 1997, former American President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary visited Rotterdam, causing quite a stir. Clinton came to the city to attend the conference of the Netherlands Atlantic Committee, but his visit quickly became a media spectacle. He took a boat tour of the port and was clearly impressed by the Rotterdam port area. Naturally, a visit to the iconic Erasmus Bridge was not to be missed, where he waved smilingly at the cameras. Clinton’s charm offensive worked, and many Rotterdammers remember his visit as a highlight. Rumours even circulated that he had eaten a portion of chips, but whether or not that’s true remains a mystery...
2002 – A political assassination
Pim Fortuyn was a flamboyant politician from Rotterdam known for his sharp tongue and controversial statements. He led the Lijst Pim Fortuyn (“List Pim Fortuyn/LPF”) and quickly gathered many supporters thanks to his charismatic personality and critical views on immigration and Islam. His popularity grew rapidly, but his political career was abruptly ended when he was assassinated in 2002, nine days before the elections. Fortuyn's legacy remains an important topic in Dutch politics, with his style and ideas still influential. Rotterdam, the city where he lived and worked, commemorates him with a statue on the Pim Fortuynplaats. He was a man who never minced his words, making him both loved and hated, sometimes simultaneously.
2007 – Who let the Bok out?
Bokito, the notorious gorilla from Blijdorp Zoo, escaped from his enclosure on 18 May 2007 and caused quite a commotion. He jumped over the moat, smashed through windows, and headed straight for a female visitor. The incident led to the term "Bokitoproof," as the zoo then had to make various adjustments to prevent a repeat occurrence. Bokito's escape dominated the news for weeks and inspired many jokes, offering a whole new perspective on the term "monkey business." Eventually, he returned to his enclosure and lived a quieter life thereafter, but his escape remains a legendary story in Rotterdam's history. This Rotterdam legend passed away on 4 April 2023.
Do we come from Rotterdam, can't you hear then: Famous Rotterdammers
Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) was a prominent humanist, theologian, and writer from Rotterdam, renowned for his critical writings and translations of classical texts, such as "In Praise of Folly." He was a pioneer of the Renaissance and advocated for church reform and education. Erasmus travelled throughout Europe and corresponded with many influential thinkers of his time. His works remain influential in contemporary thought on humanism and education. Despite his intellectual fame, he remained a modest man who never lost sight of the humour in everyday life.
Pieter de Hooch (1629-1684) was a Dutch painter from the Golden Age, famous for his interior scenes and use of light and perspective. He is known for his detailed depiction of everyday life, often with a warm, homely atmosphere. His works frequently show women and children in peaceful, everyday settings, offering a glimpse into 17th-century family life. De Hooch's work has had a lasting impact on Dutch painting and is still appreciated in museums worldwide. His name lives on in the art world, alongside greats like Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Lambertus "Bep" van Klaveren (1907-1992) was a Rotterdam boxer who won Olympic gold in the featherweight class in 1928. He was known as "The Dutch Windmill." His determination and fighting spirit made him a national hero and a symbol of Rotterdam's resilience. His career spanned more than two decades, during which he won numerous titles and left his mark on the international boxing world. After his sporting career, he remained active as a trainer and motivator. In 1992, he was honoured with his own statue.
Marten Toonder (1912-2005) was an influential Dutch cartoonist and writer, best known for creating the popular comic characters Tom Puss and Olivier B. Bommel. His comics combined humour, satire, and deeper philosophical themes, making them beloved by both children and adults. Toonder's work is praised for its language and the unique world he created, full of eccentric characters and enchanting adventures. He is often regarded as the father of the Dutch comic strip and has inspired countless other cartoonists. On 2 May 2002, a statue titled “Ode to Marten Toonder” was unveiled in honour of his 90th birthday.
Thea Beckman (1923-2004) was a well-known Dutch author of children's books, famous for her historical novels such as Kruistocht in Spijkerbroek ("Crusade in Jeans"). Her books were known for their detailed historical accuracy and exciting storylines, making them favourites among both young and old. Beckman received multiple awards for her work. Her stories often addressed themes such as adventure, friendship, and moral choices. Her work continues to play an important role in Dutch literature education and is still read by new generations.
Coen Moulijn (1937-2011) was a legendary Dutch footballer, known as a winger for Feyenoord, where he played a crucial role in winning national and international titles in the 1960s and '70s. Moulijn was loved for his speed, technique, and ability to pass defenders, making him an icon for Feyenoord fans. His career highlights include winning the European Cup I in 1970 and several national titles. After his active career, he remained connected to the club, where you can find a statue of him. In the Bloklandstraat in the Old North, where he was born, there is a monument and also a mural in his honour.
Ruud Lubbers (1939-2018) was a prominent Dutch politician and Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1982 to 1994, and later the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As leader of the CDA, he played a key role in Dutch politics during the '80s and '90s and was known for his pragmatic approach and economic reforms. After his premiership, he dedicated himself to international humanitarian issues, focusing on refugees and sustainability. Lubbers was also a champion of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Jules Deelder (1944-2019) was an iconic Rotterdam poet, writer, and night mayor, known for his love of jazz, sharp humour, and contributions to the city's cultural scene. He was famous for his black-and-white clothing style, rapid speech (sometimes assisted by a bit of Persil 'washing powder'), and unconventional lifestyle, making him a cult figure. Deelder wrote numerous poems, stories, and columns, often highlighting the gritty side of city life. His work reflects the dynamism and character of Rotterdam, and he is often seen as the voice of the city. Even after his death, Deelder remains an inspiration for many Rotterdam residents and a symbol of their city.
Andre van Duin (1947-) is a beloved Dutch comedian, singer, and presenter from Rotterdam, famous for his humorous television shows and parodies. He began his career in the 1960s and quickly gained national fame with his sketches, songs, and characters. Van Duin has won numerous awards for his work and remains a fixture on Dutch television. His humour is accessible to a wide audience, and he continues to innovate while staying true to his style. Van Duin's contributions to the Dutch entertainment industry are undeniable, and he remains a national treasure.
Richard Krajicek (1971-) is a former Dutch tennis player from Rotterdam, known for winning Wimbledon in 1996 and his powerful serve. He was the first Dutch man to win a Grand Slam title, marking a high point in Dutch tennis history. After his professional career, Krajicek has dedicated himself to youth tennis and promoting sports in general. He is the founder of the Richard Krajicek Foundation, which develops sports facilities for disadvantaged youth in urban areas.
Faisal Mssyeh, known as Feis (1986-2019), was an influential Dutch rapper from Rotterdam, known for his raw lyrics and contribution to the Dutch hip-hop scene. He began his career in the early 2000s and collaborated with well-known artists such as Winne and U-Niq. Feis's music reflected his life and the reality of street culture, with honest and sometimes harsh stories. His unexpected death in 2019 was a significant loss to the Dutch music world and his fans. Feis is remembered as a pioneer in Rotterdam hip-hop and an inspiration for many young artists.
