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Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the most important ports in the world, the second city and the industrial heart of the Netherlands. In addition, Rotterdam is a city of modern architecture, events, leisure and recreation. The inner city is blossoming as never before. Rotterdam continues to surprise with its new architecture, festivals, sporting events, daring art & culture and a trendsetting nightlife.

 

     

Gateway to Europe

As the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam is one of the most important drivers of the Dutch economy.  Being the ''Gateway to Europe'' it has a “hinterland” of 500 million inhabitants. Its international orientation as a port and the regeneration of its city centre have made Rotterdam an important business city. Longstanding trading spirit, in combination with the position of the port has made Rotterdam the trading city of the Netherlands. About a thousand international companies have already chosen Rotterdam as their base for European and worldwide business activities. These companies, both large and small, come from all over the world.

 

History
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. Rotterdam received municipal rights in 1340. 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. Now, many years later, a new, modern city centre has risen from the ashes.


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