Erasmus Bridge and Cruise Ship in the Morning

Erasmus Bridge at Night

Rotterdam maybe not a popular city to visit for tourists when visiting the Netherlands. However, the city has special monuments that make it differs to other cities in the Netherlands. In 2007, Rotterdam declared itself as  City of Architecture by applying purple color to its 40 outstanding buildings, the purple virus was affecting the whole city, some residences and office buildings painted part of their homes and buildings in purple to support Rotterdam’s initiative. Now, Rotterdam aims to be the world’s most sustainable port city, by promoting sustainable architecture and green industries. Rotterdam is also the first city in the Netherlands who has elected a Moroccan-born with dual nationalities as its City Mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb.

Rotterdam’s most important icon is Erasmus Bridge or the Swan. It was designed by Ben van Berkel and completed in 1996, connecting the northern part and the southern part.

The bridge is 800 meters long and 139 meters high, that make it as the tallest bridge in the Netherlands. Some part of the bridge can be opened for the passing through ships. Major events in Rotterdam usually closed by having fireworks in the bridge area. Annually, Rotterdam also celebrates New Year Fire-Works in Erasmus Bridge.

The second monument that I consider has been giving Rotterdam a special character is Steam Ship Rotterdam (SS Rotterdam). The ship was inaugurated by Dutch Queen Juliana in Rotterdam on 13 September 1958.

SS Rotterdam

The ship became the legendary ship of Holland America Line (HAL), which made crossings between Rotterdam and New York in the period of 1959 to 1971. Then she changed ownership and cruise destinations until she returned to her home: Rotterdam in 2008. The ship is now permanently docked in the peninsula of Katendrecht or De Kaap. It is now served as hotel, restaurants and event venues.

The third monument is Euromast Tower. This observation tower is also Rotterdam’s icon. Built in 1958, the tower was specially built for the first Dutch International Flower Exhibition, Floriade, in 1960. The tower has nine meter in diameter (inside) with walls of 30 cm thick. It is 185 meter tall with observation platform of 96 meter, that also includes restaurant. According to Euromast website information, the speed of the elevators in the tower is 4 meter per second. It takes just 30 seconds to reach 100 m!

The tower is also a member of World Federation of Great Towers. From this tower, we can see the bird view of Rotterdam and other activities such as abseiling and rope sliding; rotating elevator; hotel and dining.

Not the last one, but this is my favorite housing architecture designed by Piet Blom: Rotterdam Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses). I consider it as one of Rotterdam’s landmarks because its unique and innovative cube design in that era.

The housings were built on 1982, five years later after the first batch built in Helmond. In Rotterdam, Blom built 38 cube house attached to each other. In this complex, visitors can also see the interior of the cube house in a show house.

You should not miss Kubuswoningen when in Rotterdam, a brilliant unique design of housing and while you are there, please make sure to find this star…

Kubuswoningen Rotterdam

This post also to respond the Daily Post Weekly Challenge: Monument.