Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland in the western Netherlands. It lies on the Nieuwe Maas, a distributary of the Rhine–Meuse delta. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands by population and hosts the Port of Rotterdam, which is the largest seaport in Europe and a major global logistics hub.

The city’s origins lie in the 13th century as a dam on the Rotte river. It grew into a significant trading town in the 16th and 17th centuries and developed into a major port and industrial center. Much of the historic center was destroyed during the bombing of May 1940 in World War II, after which Rotterdam underwent extensive postwar reconstruction. The rebuilt city emphasized modern architecture and wide, functional streets, exampled by the Lijnbaan shopping street and large housing blocks. The Erasmus Bridge, completed in 1996, is a notable landmark that connects the north and south parts of the city.

Rotterdam has a diversified economy centered on port-related activities, logistics, chemicals, shipbuilding, and energy, complemented by services and culture. It is home to Erasmus University Rotterdam and a broad range of research and innovation initiatives. The city is served by Rotterdam Centraal, a major rail hub, and Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which provides domestic and European flights. The Port of Rotterdam supports international trade and energy supply chains, with extensive road and rail connections inland.

Notable landmarks and cultural institutions include the Markthal, the Cube Houses by Piet Blom, the Kunsthal and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The city hosts the International Film Festival Rotterdam and a dynamic contemporary arts scene, supported by museums, theatres, and public spaces.