Monuments

Monuments Of Rotterdam: A Journey Through Its History

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, skyscrapers, and the futuristic vibe that makes it different from the rest of the Netherlands. But this city also has a fascinating history, which lives on through its monuments.

During World War II, much of Rotterdam’s city center was destroyed by bombings. However, some historic buildings survived. Today, the city mixes old and new in a unique way.

In total, Rotterdam has more than 1,000 monuments, including 622 national monuments and over 390 municipal monuments. Among these, 8 areas are specially protected because of their historical value.

Famous monuments in Rotterdam

Here are some of the most well-known monuments in Rotterdam — great stops for any cultural tour of the city:

Watertoren. A 48-meter-high old water tower with seven tanks. It was used to purify water from the River Maas. Today, it is an important industrial symbol with historical value.
Stadhuis (City Hall). This building was built on top of the old Coolsingel canal after the red-light district of Zandstraat was demolished. Amazingly, it survived the 1940 bombings.
Het Witte Huis. With its 45-meter height, this was the tallest office building in Europe when it was built. It’s one of the few buildings that survived the bombing of the historic center.
Sint-Laurenskerk. The only remaining Gothic building from medieval Rotterdam. Its tower and central hall are very impressive.

What is a National Monument in the Netherlands?

A national monument can be a building, land, or object that has historical, cultural, scientific, or artistic value. In the past, it had to be at least 50 years old, but since 2012, that’s no longer required.

To be officially protected, it must be listed in the National Monument Register.

In Rotterdam, many national monuments were built during the post-war reconstruction period (1940–1965). These buildings reflect the architecture, economy, and culture of that time.

Other historical monuments in Rotterdam

Hoofdpostkantoor (Old Post Office). Built between 1915 and 1923, it combines classical and art deco styles.
Schielandshuis. One of the oldest buildings in the city center. Even Emperor Napoleon stayed here during his visit.
Groot Handelsgebouw. A huge commercial building that represents Rotterdam’s rebuilding after the war. It’s 200 meters long and 85 meters wide.

Municipal Monuments and Protected Areas

Besides national monuments, Rotterdam also has many municipal monuments that are important locally. These don’t need to be old to be recognized.

The city also has 8 protected historical areas, including:

Delfshaven
Midden in Kralingen
Scheepvaartkwartier
Noordereiland

In 2014, other areas like Vreewijk, Bergpolder, and Blijdorp were named urban heritage sites. The seven canals of the Water Project were also included.

The oldest monuments in Rotterdam

Many of Rotterdam’s oldest buildings are in historic neighborhoods like Delfshaven, Hillegersberg, and Overschie.

Some of these buildings are over 300 years old. Several churches built between the 13th and 15th centuries stand out.

Other must-see monuments and historic places

Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). One of the most famous spots in Rotterdam. These tilted cube-shaped homes attract thousands of visitors every year.
Hotel New York. This building was once the headquarters of the Holland America Line. Today, it’s a hotel, restaurant, and landmark in the Kop van Zuid area.
Van Nelle Factory (Van Nelle Fabriek). A perfect example of the “Nieuwe Bouwen” style, focused on function and natural light. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Library (Bibliotheek). Inspired by the Pompidou Center in Paris, it’s the largest library in the Netherlands and one of the most unique buildings in Rotterdam.
SS Rotterdam. The largest ocean liner ever built in the Netherlands. It was the flagship of the Holland-America Line and now works as a hotel, museum, and restaurant.