Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Description
View cruises with Rotterdam, The NetherlandsThe largest port in Europe, Rotterdam is an intriguing mix of the old and the new. The city's lineage is ancient - Count Willem III granted city rights to the sleepy fishing village on the Rotte in 1328, yet much of the city dates from the six decades following the end of World War II. An important industrial center and a major European port, Rotterdam was among the first targets of the Nazi blitzkrieg against the West. On May 14, 1940, the German Luftwaffe firebombed the city, Rotterdam was gutted. The post-war years saw a slow rebuilding but by the early 1960s the maze of port facilities extended all the way to the North Sea. Today, this city of over half a million is the economic powerhouse, not just of the Netherlands but of Northern Europe.
The Nazi bombardment of 1940 gutted most of the old city. As a result, Rotterdam's architecture is an intriguing mix of old and new: modern glass skyscrapers often stand adjacent to 19th- and 18th-century buildings.
Points of Interest
- Canal Boat Cruise
- Delft
- Van Gogh Museum
- The Hague
- Kinderdijk
- Delfshaven
- Keukenhof Tulip Festival
- Royal Palace
More about Rotterdam, The Netherlands Points of Interest
-
Canal Boat Cruise -
A canal cruise takes you past the iconic symbols of Amsterdam, from windmills and 17th-century mansions, to carillon-crowned churches and warehouses, which line the canal banks.
-
Delft -
Delft enjoys a worldwide reputation due to its connection with Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House. Relive its glorious past as you wander along canals, churches, mansions and courtyards.
-
Van Gogh Museum -
Located in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum features the works of the Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, and his contemporaries, with the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world.
-
The Hague -
The city boasts many monuments, great shopping, and is the political heart. The government of Holland is run from the historic Binnenhof and the King's office palace is also located near the heart of the city centre.
-
Kinderdijk -
Windmills are vanishing from the Dutch landscape. Kinderdijk is home to nineteen original windmills - many in working order. In 1997 the mills of Kinderdijk were put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
-
Delfshaven -
Delfshaven is a historic harbour and one of the oldest places in Rotterdam. You will find many antique shops, the historic museum Rotterdam, shipyard De Delft and the famous Pilgrim Fathers Church in this area.
-
Keukenhof Tulip Festival -
Keukenhof also known as the Garden of Europe, is situated near Lisse, Netherlands, and is the world's largest flower garden.
-
Royal Palace -
Dominating Dam Square, the opulent Royal Palace has served a number of purposes since the mid-17th century. Built as the Town Hall, it is currently at the King's disposal for lavish ceremonies.
