Brandgrens Rotterdam
Remember the war
Wandering through the bustling streets of Rotterdam, the sight of those enigmatic red lamps subtly embedded in the pavement never fails to evoke a sense of intrigue and nostalgia within me. As a young girl, these scattered beacons stirred my curiosity, prompting a quest for their significance. It was only later, through grandparents' stories who experienced WWII in Rotterdam, that I uncovered their profound meaning, they mark the boundaries of the devastating fires that ravaged the city after the catastrophic bombing on May 14th, 1940.
This tragedy fundamentally reshaped Rotterdam, birthing a city reborn from the ashes of destruction. The amalgamation of old and new architecture within the city's center and parts of the north weaves a distinctive urban tapestry, embodying the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants in the face of adversity.
For those drawn to delve deeper into Rotterdam's transformative past, there used to be an official website from the Stadsarchief offering a wealth of information about the Fire Boundary and a guided walk. Unfortunately, the website is no longer active. However, when I reached out to them, they kindly scanned the flyer with the route for me, which is now linked here. The 12-kilometer route, marked by the fire boundary, can be explored on foot or by bike. Additionally, the Stadsarchief has a Dutch website that provides extensive information about the war and its impact on the city. This exploration offers a unique perspective on how history continues to shape Rotterdam's architecture and spirit.
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CEO Baas van het Vlees
Carnivores rejoice!
"CEO Baas van het Vlees" restaurant in Rotterdam calls itself the CEO of meat. It might come across as arrogant, but these guys can really back it up...
by
Silvia
Graham
Strand De Esch
A hidden beach on the Maas
This beach along the Maas River is perfect as a quiet, secluded, sandy beach. It's taken over by nature and even has some willow trees! Just bring a towel.
by
Nour
Nassar
Al-Malek Sweets
Syrian baklava
If you are strolling through the area of Delfshaven in Rotterdam and craving something sweet, you have to try the baklava at "Al-Malek Sweets"...
by
Nour
Nassar
Park Schoonoord
City zen moments
"Park Schoonoord" in Rotterdam is one of my favorite hidden secret spots. Once I enter this park, all the noise from the city just disappears - so zen...
by
Davy
Baas
Aji
Culinary adventure travel
"Aji" is a South-American and Asian fusion restaurant in Rotterdam. Wait, don't stop reading! The combinations here are truly excellent...
by
Silvia
Graham
By Ami Urban Bistro
Colour your day and plate
"By Ami Urban Bistro" is my happy place. It's like no other in Rotterdam. This restaurant is colourful, instagrammable, hip, funky & industrial all in one!
by
Silvia
Graham
Jan Bussing Boulangerie
A touch of France
"Jan Bussing Boulangerie" in Rotterdam has delicious French bread. I love the roast beef sandwich and I never leave without a fig & almond bread.
by
Silvia
Graham
Kralingse Plas & Bos
Skyline seen by nature
"Kralingse Plas" and the woodland surrounding it is the largest recreational area in Rotterdam. There's something fairy-tale-like in some of its paths...
by
Silvia
Graham
Mouterbrug
Hangout spot
Mouterbrug is a little floating deck in a canal in Delfshaven, Rotterdam. There's lots to explore around, and the neighborhood shared garden is here, too!
by
Nour
Nassar
Shaami Huis
The taste of Syria
Shaami Huis in Rotterdam makes shoarma exactly like they do in the Levant! Not a fancy place, but not to miss - their kubba is one of my favorites...
by
Nour
Nassar
Het Kasteel
SP-AR-TA!
Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...
by
Floor
Sonneveld
Poffertjes Salon Seth
True Dutchie treats
In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.
by
Silvia
Graham
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