De Verwoeste Stad - By Zadkine Rotterdam
Heartless city
May 14th, 1940. Nazi Germany had attacked the Netherlands a few days earlier. Because of its industry, Rotterdam was an important target for the Nazis. But the city didn’t surrender as easy as expected. The Dutch marines, encamped in Rotterdam, defended its city with fierce and heroic fighting. Until the Nazis decided they had had enough. They bombarded the entire historical center and destroyed it. Over 900 people died and 80.000 became homeless. The bombardment was soon followed by the surrender of the Netherlands.
To commemorate this day, the French/Belarussian artist Ossip Zadkine made a sculpture that gives me goosebumps every time I see it. He named it De Verwoeste Stad (The Destroyed City, 1953). This bronze statue is over 6 meters tall and depicts a screaming man without a heart. He is in agony and throws his arms desperately in the sky. The missing heart illustrates Rotterdam’s destroyed city center, a city without a heart.
The statue is special to many people in the city. To the older people, who witnessed the bombardment, it represents pre-war Rotterdam and that dark day on the 14th of May. To the younger people, like myself, the statue represents a sense of pride. Even after that much setback, the city pulled itself together and became the wonderful city it is today. For that reason, I visit this beautiful and yet terrifying statue and think about all the city has gone through.
About this spot
Plein 1940
- 24 hours daily
€
free
Find your way with 167 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rotterdam
Bertmans
Guiltfree Allergy-friendly Deliciousness
A Rotterdam institution for the diversity of dishes catering to all dietary requirements including those who do not have any.
by
Silvia
Graham
Harvest Café and Bakery
Coffee with a view
If, like me, coffee to you is life, then Harvest Café and Bakery will be your vibe. With beautiful views and a sleek design, it is a coffee lover's dream.
by
Silvia
Graham
30ml Rotterdam Centrum
Roasting me beans delish
"30ml Rotterdam Centrum" is a little oasis on busy Nieuwe Binnenweg. Their coffees are caffeinated elixirs and their desserts & breakfast burritos perfect.
by
Silvia
Graham
Cafe LaBru
Vermouths and live jazz
"Cafe LaBru" in Rotterdam is an artful cafe/bar that feels like a friend's living room. There's always art & photographs that define its style...
by
Irina
Bulat
Sajoer Cafe
Fresh juice and healthy breakfast
"Sajoer Cafe" in Rotterdam is great for having a break from sight-seeing. I always go there on Saturdays after yoga for a chai latte & a mangolicious bowl.
by
Irina
Bulat
Hinoki
Authentic Japanese noodle soup
"Hinoki" makes the most authentic noodle soup you could possibly find in Rotterdam. Looks unimpressive, but I won't allow you to miss it!
by
Irina
Bulat
Boguette
Vietnamese deliciousness
"Boguette" is my prime spot to recuperate so I can continue exploring Rotterdam. This café/snack bar is known for its bubble tea and Vietnamese baguettes.
by
Davy
Baas
Heilige Boontjes
Second-chance coffee
"Heilige Boontjes" in Rotterdam is a welcoming coffee shop that gives youngsters who've had problems with crime a second opportunity to get back on track.
by
Silvia
Graham
The Sue Store (SUE)
Gluten-free vegan bliss
I personally love the tiramisu, rocky road, lavender lemon, and the very berry. The double choco cookie regularly finds its way to my bag as well...
by
Silvia
Graham
Louise Petit Dejeurner
A slice of Paris
From crepes with Comte cheese and truffles, Croque Monsieur, and delicious pastries to even a doggie croissant for your faithful four-pawed friend.
by
Silvia
Graham
Freddy's Comfort Food
Southern Comfort
Freddy does things to chicken in an OG southern US way that is rarely done well. They have crunchy and juicy chicken, but even more, they have pazazz.
by
Silvia
Graham
Heading to Rotterdam?
167 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Rotterdam?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 167 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Rotterdam
Get to know our other Spotters from Rotterdam
As featured on:
