The second largest city in the Netherlands and home to Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed by German bombers in WW2. The rebuild since has resulted in varied and eclectic architecture, my main reason for visiting back in October 2009.
The Cube House is a great example. These unusual homes were built in the 1970s, with three floors inside the 45 degree angle tilted cubes.
The neighbouring homes are pretty unusual also, sharing the waterfront views.
Across the canal is the Witte Huis (White House), a beautiful ten story Art Nouveau tower built in 1898, which was the first high-rise building in Europe at 43m high.
Crossing the New Meuse river, connecting the port with the sea is Erasmus Bridge, a 802m long structure opened 1996, nicknamed De Zwaan (the Swan).
A city landmark is the 186m tall Euromast, an observation tower built at the end of the 1950s. Originally it was 101m tall but in 1970 it was extended a further 85m.
Whether low-rise or high-rise the architecture is generally unusual / interesting / hideous depending on your tastes.
