History of Rotterdam

The history of Rotterdam is a tale of a humble fishing settlement transforming into one of the world's most vital maritime hubs. The city, whose name literally means "dam on the River Rotte", owes its birth and prosperity to water.

Foundation and First Mentions

• Around 1270: At the point where the small River Rotte flows into the Maas, locals built a dam to protect against floods. A settlement began to form around this structure.
• 1283: The settlement at the dam is mentioned in official documents for the first time.
• 1340: The Count of Holland granted Rotterdam city rights, which became the starting point for its further growth and development.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: A strategically advantageous position at the confluence of rivers and proximity to the North Sea created ideal conditions for the development of shipping and trade.
• Trade: By 1350, the city received permission to build a canal for transporting English wool to the cities of Delft and Leiden, which laid the foundation for its commercial power.
• Port Development: Beginning in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, Rotterdam became one of the key ports of the Dutch East India Company, contributing to its rapid economic growth.

Early Economic and Cultural Features

Initially, Rotterdam's economy was built on fishing. However, with the development of the port, the city quickly turned into a bustling trading centre. There was active trade in agricultural produce, fish, salt, and commodities from French ports. The growth of merchant wealth in the 17th century contributed to a cultural flourishing, support for the arts, and the formation of the unique character of a port city.

Chronology of Key Events

• Around 1270: A dam is built on the River Rotte for flood protection, becoming the starting point for the settlement's formation.
• 1340: The Count of Holland grants Rotterdam city rights, fostering its further economic and political development.
• 1572: During the Eighty Years' War, the city was looted by Spanish troops.
• 17th Century: Rotterdam becomes one of the six key centres of the Dutch East India Company, marking the beginning of its "Golden Age".
• 1872: The Nieuwe Waterweg (New Waterway) canal opens, providing direct access to the North Sea and becoming a catalyst for the port's explosive growth.
• Late 19th – Early 20th Century: Massive expansion of the port takes place, including the construction of new large harbours such as Rijnhaven and Maashaven.
• 14 May 1940: A devastating bombardment by German aviation (the Rotterdam Blitz) almost completely destroys the historic city centre.
• 1950s – 1970s: A period of large-scale post-war reconstruction, during which the modern architectural appearance of the city is formed with an emphasis on modernism.
• 1962: The Port of Rotterdam becomes the busiest port in the world, holding this title for many decades.
• 1984: Construction of the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) by architect Piet Blom is completed, becoming an iconic example of innovative architecture.
• 1996: The Erasmus Bridge ("The Swan") opens, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable symbols of modern Rotterdam.
• 2014: The opening of the new Central Station and the unique Markthal indoor market takes place, strengthening the city's reputation as a showcase of modern architecture.

Key Milestones in Rotterdam's Development

The history of Rotterdam is not just a chronology of events, but a story of the transformation of ideas and approaches that shaped its unique character. Instead of simply rebuilding after strokes of fate, the city reimagined itself each time, turning into a platform for bold experiments.

• Laboratory of Urban Planning. Post-war reconstruction was for Rotterdam not so much a return to the past, but a chance to create a city of the future. Instead of recreating what was destroyed, urban planners implemented a radically new concept based on functionality, light, and space. This approach turned Rotterdam into a living laboratory of urbanism, where bold ideas and innovative solutions continue to define the development of the urban environment today.
• Melting Pot of Cultures. Rotterdam's historical role as Europe's largest port naturally made it a point of attraction for people from all over the world. Since the post-war period, the city has become home to hundreds of nationalities, turning into one of the most diverse and multicultural centres in the Netherlands. This cultural diversity is reflected in everything from cuisine and festivals to art and daily life, creating a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Capital of Modern Design and Architecture. Rotterdam has earned world fame as a showcase of advanced architecture. But its role is not limited to famous buildings. The city has become a real magnet for designers, artists, and architects, forming a creative ecosystem. Leading institutes, galleries, and studios are located here, and international events, such as the Architecture Biennale and the Art Rotterdam fair, cement its status as a centre where the boldest creative ideas are born and realised.
• From Port to "Smart" Hub. The status of "Gateway to Europe" for Rotterdam is not a static title, but a process of constant evolution. The port has gone from a traditional centre of trade to a high-tech logistics hub. Today, the city is a pioneer in the digitalisation and automation of port operations, implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) and creating digital twins to optimise all processes. This transformation symbolises Rotterdam's aspiration to be not just the largest, but also the "smartest" port in the world.

The architectural appearance of Rotterdam is a unique story of destruction and bold rebirth. Unlike many European cities that carefully preserve medieval developments, Rotterdam has become a true showcase of modern architecture. This happened after the historic centre was almost completely destroyed during the bombardment on 14 May 1940. This tragic event became the starting point for creating a city of the future.

Pre-war Architecture and Its Heritage

Before the Second World War, Rotterdam possessed a historic centre typical of Dutch cities with canals and old buildings. After the destruction, only a few significant structures survived, which today serve as valuable reminders of the past. Among them:

• Church of St. Lawrence (Laurenskerk): The only medieval structure preserved in the centre, built in the late Gothic style. After the war, the church was carefully restored and became a symbol of the city's resilience.
• City Hall (Stadhuis): A monumental building constructed in the early 20th century, which miraculously survived and is a striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture.
• White House (Witte Huis): Built in 1898, this 11-storey building is considered the first skyscraper in Europe and represents an example of the Art Nouveau style.

Post-war Modernism: City of the Future

The reconstruction period in the 1950s-1970s defined the modern look of Rotterdam. Instead of recreating what was lost, a radical plan was adopted based on the principles of modernism: functionality, light, and space. The city was divided into zones for living, working, and leisure. A striking symbol of this era became the Lijnbaan street — the first pedestrian shopping zone in Europe, which became a model for many cities around the world.

Experiments of the 80s: Postmodernism

By the 1980s, functional modernism began to give way to the bolder and more playful forms of postmodernism. Architects began to pay more attention not only to function but also to form, creating unusual and memorable objects. The most famous example of this period is the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen), designed by Piet Blom. These houses, tilted at an angle of 54.7 degrees, represent the concept of an "urban forest", where each cube house symbolises a tree.

Modern Rotterdam: "Manhattan on the Maas"

Since the late 1990s, Rotterdam has secured its status as a capital of modern architecture, earning the nickname "Manhattan on the Maas". This period is characterised by the construction of high-rise buildings and iconic structures created by world-renowned architects.

• Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug): Opened in 1996, this elegant asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge, nicknamed "The Swan", has become one of the main symbols of the city.
• Markthal: A unique indoor market in the shape of a giant arch, opened in 2014. The inner vault is decorated with a huge artwork "Horn of Plenty", and residential apartments are located within the structure itself.
• Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal): Rebuilt in 2014, the station impresses with its dynamic roof made of glass and steel, pointing upwards and symbolising movement.
• De Rotterdam: A complex of three connected towers designed by Rem Koolhaas, representing a "vertical city" with offices, apartments, and a hotel.

Today, Rotterdam continues to develop as a dynamic laboratory of urban planning, where every new building becomes an event in the world of architecture.

Notable People of Rotterdam

Rotterdam has given the world many talented people whose names have gone down in history. From Renaissance philosophers to pioneers of modern architecture, these individuals shaped not only the look and spirit of their hometown but also had a significant influence on world culture.

• Erasmus of Rotterdam (c. 1466–1536) — The greatest scholar of the Northern Renaissance, philosopher, theologian, and writer. Nicknamed the "Prince of Humanists", he had a huge influence on the intellectual life of all Europe. A bridge and a university in Rotterdam bear his name, highlighting his enduring significance for the city.
• Piet Hein (1577–1629) — A Dutch admiral and national hero during the Eighty Years' War. Born in Delfshaven (now a district of Rotterdam), he became famous for capturing the Spanish "Silver Fleet" in 1628, which was one of the loudest naval victories in the history of the Netherlands.
• Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) — One of the leaders of abstract expressionism, an outstanding artist and sculptor of the 20th century. He was born and received his art education in Rotterdam, after which he emigrated to the USA, where he achieved world recognition. The city's Academy of Fine Arts and Applied Sciences is named in his honour.
• Rem Koolhaas (born 1944) — A world-renowned architect, theorist, and urbanist, and a Pritzker Prize laureate. A native of Rotterdam, he largely defined its modern architectural landscape. His office, OMA, designed such iconic objects as the De Rotterdam complex and the renovated Feyenoord stadium.
• Edsger Dijkstra (1930–2002) — An outstanding scientist in the field of computer science. Born in Rotterdam, his work had a huge impact on the development of programming. He developed the famous algorithm for finding the shortest path on graphs, named after him and widely used in logistics and digital maps.