Rotterdam , located in the province of Zuid Holland, is the second largest city in the Netherlands (after Amsterdam). The city has the largest port in Europe and was until recently the largest port on earth; it is found on the banks of the river the Nieuwe Maas, one of the streams in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse rivers. Rotterdam was founded in the mid 13th century after a dam had been constructed in the River Rotte on the site of the present Hoogstraat. Over the centuries Rotterdam grew from a fishing village into an international centre of trade, transport, industry and distribution. At the beginning of the Second World War, on 14 May 1940, virtually the entire city centre was devastated by a German bombardment. This explains why scarcely any pre-war buildings have remained in this part of Rotterdam. After the war, reconstruction of what had been destroyed was given the highest priority.
Transportation in Rotterdam
By Road: From the Hague (A13) or Utrecht (A12), follow the signs "Rotterdam / Hoek van. From Beneluxtunnel (A4), follow the signs "Den Haag / Utrecht" (A20).
By Train: Rotterdam's large centre is bordered by its main rail terminal, Centraal Station , which serves as the hub of a useful tram and metro system
By Ferry: Rotterdam ferry port covers an area of 40 kilometres, from the center of the city to the North Sea. Rotterdam Europoort is the departure point of P & O's cruise ferries to the North of England on the luxurious overnight Rotterdam to Hull ferry service.
Rotterdam has many museums as. Well known museums include the Boijmans-van Beuningen Museum whose collection ranges from medieval European art to modern art. The Maritime Museum Rotterdam is situated right in the heart of Rotterdam, five minutes’ walk from the Coolsingel and the Erasmus Bridge. Moored alongside, in all its glory, is the museum ship ‘Buffel’. The Euromast was built in 1960; towering 350 feet above the city and its bustling harbor. In 1970, the Space Tower was added, and today it is 607 feet tall. At 328 feet you can enjoy a meal with a view in one of the two restaurants. The Kubuswoningen or cube houses were built in 1984 they are exactly the same as conventional houses apart from one minor difference, they've been tilted 45 degrees! Rotterdam Zoo has over 1.5 million visitors a year and is one of the more popular attractions in the city.
