The city hall of Rotterdam is one of the few buildings that was miraculously spared during the bombardment in the May days of 1940. The building has served as a town hall since 1920.
The sandstone building in Beaux-Arts style was built after it was decided at the beginning of the twentieth century that Rotterdam needed a new and larger town hall. Queen Wilhelmina laid the foundation stone of the magnificent building by architect Henri Evers in 1915. The impressive façade is decorated with sculptures and is crowned with a 71-meter-high bell tower. The carillon with 63 bells can be heard on the Coolsingel on Tuesday afternoon and Friday evening.
Next to the town hall is the old main post office of Rotterdam? The building was built in the same period as the town hall, when the Coolsingel was completely overhauled. Fun fact: because the post office had to stand out less than the town hall, it was placed 10 meters back. In practice it works a bit counterproductive: the post office now has a beautiful forecourt. You can no longer buy stamps there for a long time: it was used for a while as an exhibition space and even a clothing outlet, and will soon serve as a five-star hotel.
Behind the imposing façade of the town hall are several courtyards and a beautiful courtyard. This is free to visit during the week. You can also visit special rooms such as the council chamber, the citizens' hall and the wedding rooms with a guide. Make an appointment in advance. Call for that Must See - 084 867 5112
I like coming here! Some nice piece of history of Rotterdam in the center of the city.
I did not know at all that that garden is there, but he is really beautiful. Thought the surveillance would send me away, but I asked it nicely, so it was not a problem.
