Rotterdam for the Family

View PDF | Print View
by: JonnyStevens
Total views: 0
Word Count: 552
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2011 Time: 2:59 PM
0 comments

Adolph Hitler hoped to conquer the Netherlands in one day during WWII. He nearly accomplished what he set out to. Hitler was confident that he could overtake the Netherlands quickly and easily, but he didn't count on the resistance he encountered from the Dutch army. Rotterdam was almost completely wiped out when the Germans bombed it on May 14, 1940. The German Luftwaffe demolished countless homes and buildings and left over 900 civilians dead. Holland could not afford another bombing of this sort and capitulated to Hitler's threats. Amazingly, the Rotterdam City Hall was one of the only buildings left standing after the horrible tragedy. If you go there today, you can see the statue by Ossip Zadkine that serves as a memorial of this event, which is located in the heart of the city in the spot where the old City Hall once stood.

During the 1950's and 1960's, Rotterdam was slowly rebuilt. The city became known as an open and windy city until further rebuilding in the 1980's began to develop an active architectural policy. New architects tried daring, new styles of apartments and office buildings. This all resulted in a more livable city with a beautiful new skyline. One great example of this new architecture is a brand new business center built in the 90s on the south bank of the river known as the Nieuwe Maas.

Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands main ports for the shipping industry. It is Europe's largest port. The rivers Rhine and Meuse both give excellent access to Switzerland and France. In 2006, Rotterdam became the world's 7th biggest container port city in all the world. Petrochemical industries and general cargo handling and shipment have been built up over the years and have only recently become transit points for bulk materials between the European continent and the rest of the world.

Goods are transported by river barge, road, ship or train from Rotterdam to the rest of the world. Massive railways and bridges have been rebuilt to supply the harbors with the transit they need to deliver their goods in a timely manner.

Rotterdam had a long way to rebuild its culture in the last sixty years. But by the time 2001 hit, Rotterdam was again the cultural figurehead of Europe. The city once again has a world renowned orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. The conductor of the orchestra is a world famous musical director. The city once again has many theatres, playhouses and concert halls. Festivals and large exhibitions can again be held in Rotterdam because of the rebuilding of its many halls. You will also find international film festivals, international poetry festivals and there is even a North Sea Jazz Festival. They have summer carnivals and World Harbor days. There is also a major zoo on the northwest side of Rotterdam with a walk through aquarium called the Oceanium. There is even a healthy and continuing competition that can be seen between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The city has a self-image that rivals no other city. This city was virtually destroyed during WWII and slowly found its way back into the heart and soul of the world. Hitler trying to destroy the city actually helped it become one of the best cities to visit you will ever find.

About the Author

Trouble finding information about Rotterdam ? Take a cheeky peek at Rotterdam Ideas.