Monuments
Monuments of Rotterdam: A journey through its history
Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture and spectacular skyline, but the city also has many monuments that reveal its fascinating history. Medieval churches, historic buildings, former warehouses, memorials and post-war landmarks stand alongside some of the city’s most innovative modern architecture.
Although much of Rotterdam’s city centre was destroyed during the bombing of 1940, several important buildings survived, while others were constructed during the post-war reconstruction. Today, many of them are among Rotterdam’s most recognisable landmarks.
Watertoren
The Watertoren is 48 meters high and has seven water tanks. It was used to purify water from the Maas River.
Stadhuis
It was built after filling in the Coolsingel canal and demolishing the old red-light district of Zandstraat.
Witte Huis
At 45 meters high, the White House, in Oudehaven, was once the tallest office building in Europe.
Rotterdam’s most iconic monuments
These are some of Rotterdam’s most representative monuments. Each reflects a different period in the city’s history, from medieval Rotterdam to the reconstruction that followed the Second World War.
Watertoren. This historic 48-metre-high water tower was once part of Rotterdam’s water supply system. Today, it is one of the city’s most distinctive examples of industrial heritage.
Stadhuis (City Hall). Rotterdam City Hall was built between 1914 and 1920 and is one of the most important monumental buildings to have survived the bombing of the city in 1940.
Het Witte Huis. Often described as Europe’s first skyscraper, this 45-metre-high building is one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable historic landmarks.
Sint-Laurenskerk. The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk is the only surviving building from medieval Rotterdam’s late Gothic period. Its imposing tower and interior make it one of the city’s most important historic monuments.
Hoofd-postkantoor
The building, constructed between 1915 and 1923, has an eclectic style with classicist and art-deco elements.
Schiedlands-huis
It was one of the most striking buildings in the center of Rotterdam. Even Emperor Napoleon slept in the house.
Handels-gebouw
The Groot Handelsgebouw, measuring 200 by 85 meters, is the symbol of Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction.
What is a National Monument in the Netherlands?
A Rijksmonument is a building, object or site protected because of its special historical, cultural or architectural importance. These monuments form part of the Dutch national heritage and are legally protected to help preserve them for future generations.
Rotterdam is home to many national monuments, including buildings connected to the city’s history, its maritime development and different periods of architectural change.
Other historical monuments in Rotterdam
Besides its best-known landmarks, Rotterdam has many other historic buildings that help tell the story of how the city has developed over the centuries.
Hoofdpostkantoor. Rotterdam’s former main post office was built between 1915 and 1923. Its distinctive architecture combines classical influences with Art Deco elements.
Schielandshuis. One of the oldest surviving buildings in Rotterdam’s city centre. The building has witnessed centuries of the city’s history and even hosted Emperor Napoleon during his visit to Rotterdam.
Groot Handelsgebouw. This enormous commercial building became one of the symbols of Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction and remains one of the most significant buildings from that period.
Laurenskerk
Sint-Laurenskerk is the only late Gothic building remaining from what the medieval village.
Van Nelle
One of the examples of the Nieuwe Bouwen movement, characterized by its functionality.
Bibliotheek
Partly inspired by the Pompidou Museum in Paris, the largest public library in the Netherlands.
Municipal monuments and protected areas
In addition to national monuments, Rotterdam has many municipal monuments protected because of their historical importance to the city.
Many of these buildings can be found in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven, Kralingen, Scheepvaartkwartier and Noordereiland, where it is still possible to discover traces of Rotterdam as it looked before the Second World War.
Cubic Houses
One of Rotterdam’s most visited attractions is the Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses). Walk in one of them.
New York
Hotel New York was built in 1901 in Jugendstil style as the headquarters of the Holland America Line.
ss Rotterdam
The largest passenger ocean liner built in the country. It was the flagship of the Holland-America Line.
Rotterdam’s historic neighbourhoods
Many of Rotterdam’s oldest buildings can be found in historic neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven, Hillegersberg and Overschie. Walking through these areas offers a glimpse of what parts of the city looked like before the major post-war reconstruction.
Other must-see monuments and historic places
Rotterdam has many other buildings and landmarks worth discovering. Some stand out for their historical importance, while others have become true symbols of the city.
Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). One of Rotterdam’s most famous architectural landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Hotel New York. The former headquarters of the Holland America Line, closely connected to the history of the millions of passengers and emigrants who travelled between Rotterdam and America.
Van Nelle Fabriek. An outstanding example of the Nieuwe Bouwen architectural movement, with an emphasis on functionality, light and modern industrial design. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Library. One of Rotterdam’s most distinctive modern buildings, with an unusual design that has become a familiar part of the city centre.
ss Rotterdam. The largest passenger ship ever built in the Netherlands and once the flagship of the Holland America Line. Today, the ship has a new life as a hotel, restaurant and visitor attraction.
Monuments in Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s monuments reveal a city where history and modernity coexist in a unique way. From medieval churches and historic buildings to industrial heritage and landmarks from the post-war reconstruction, each one helps tell the story of how Rotterdam became the city we know today.
Explore our individual guides to learn more about the history of each monument, discover what to see and easily plan your visit.