Went to Rotterdam with a friend of mine in a sunny spring day – beautiful place with lots to be seen.
I have already noticed that most of the buildings are new and impressive and was thinking to read something about the reason latter. Had no need. My amazing knowledgeable guide has enlightened me that it’s because of the World War II, when Rotterdam was literally flattened.
So, nowadays I guess, you could walk all day long around the city and won’t stop being fascinated of all the modernistic buildings, sculptures, etc. Absolutely enchanting atmosphere.
We didn’t have too much time, but couldn’t miss the famous Cube houses. Really impressive and innovative look. According to Wikipedia they have been designed by architect Piet Blom, based on the concept of “living as an urban roof“.
Passed by that “Santa Claus” accidentally, but definitely got my attention in the second! Spent few minutes staring at it and wondering what that should be. Must be a tree, but… damn, it surely doesn’t look exactly like… Or it’s just my mind?
Had no time to wonder too much, as my friend was waiting for me round the corner, so just took a photo and decided will ask Google latter. Well I did… 😆
We also went to a viewpoint with very beautiful panoramic view towards the famous bridges. I was amusing myself watching the Water taxis, which were looking like a real busses dipped in the water. 😁
We passed through the Maastunnel tunnel on purpose although there are no pictures of it (thanks to my big heavy camera, always stored somewhere deep and difficult to reach), as it is connecting the banks of the Nieuwe Maas and an important part of Rotterdam’s road network.
The Maastunnel was the world’s first rectangular shaped underwater tunnel built using the sunken tube or immersed tube method. Building has commenced in 1937 and finished in 1942. Separate parts have been built elsewhere in a dry dock, and then floated into place and sunk into a trench dug in the river bottom, a technique used in many other Dutch tunnels afterwords.
You can find the rest of the photos in the gallery page.