Rotterdam Pictures
Holland

Rotterdam's famous Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen, built in 1984) in the largest port in Europe - The Hague is not the only Dutch city to successfully experiment with modern architecture.

Rotterdam dates from 1340, is the Netherlands' second largest city and contains more non-native Dutch than any other city in the country with large communities of Turks, Surinamese and Moroccans.

A popular saying by citizens of Rotterdam is: 'Money is earned in Rotterdam, divided in The Hague and spilled in Amsterdam.'

However these days Rotterdammers are doing a good job of €uro-spilling themselves with dramatic urban renewal projects, excellent museums, fine home-grown music - both orchestral and hip-hop - and masses of local festivals. It was European Capital of Culture in 2001 and has a reputation as one of the Europe's best clubbing cities.

Rotterdam's 1996 Erasmus Bridge, also know as The Swan (De Zwaan), linking north and south parts of the city.

Top sights are the magnificently modern structures, a few fine old buildings, notable museums such as Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum (for great masters), the Kunsthal (for contemporary art and design) and the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAI).
The Euromast Tower is great for a panoramic views of the city and has some high altitude accommodation.

One less attractive aspect but a major source of income for Holland's Rotterdam, petrochemical refining.

Rotterdam's old port. Next, Maastricht photos.

There is no shortage of the old stuff in Rotterdam to compete with the avant-garde. Beaches, however, are hard to come by. From time to time the local council builds artificial beaches but with little success as sand is shallow and waters polluted. The Hook of Holland is the nearest beach destination.

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Photos: The Hague | Twisted Amsterdam