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 164 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rotterdam
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
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
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
Juffrouw van Zanten
brunch deal in Kralingen
Juffrouw van Zanten's brunch platter has it all: pancakes, avo toast, banana bread, and more. All this in a cozy, family-friendly, living room-like setting.
by
Blanca
Nagore
Paddy Murphys's
Irish Pub in Rotterdam Centrum
Paddy Murphy's is the go-to spot to catch any game, enjoy hearty food, and connect with a lively crowd in a true Irish pub atmosphere.
by
Blanca
Nagore
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
Parqiet
Coffee, Brunch, in the Park
Sitting in this place gives an absolutely calming and full of serenity and peace vibe that is hard to find right in the middle of the city.
by
Nour
Nassar
Maashaven to Rijnhaven Metro
Street art galore
Walkling from Maashaven to Rijnhaven Metro stations in Rotterdam is like visiting a street art gallery! Which of the pillars will be your favorite?
by
Silvia
Graham
De Ballentent
Yummie meatballs
"De Ballentent" - the best place in Rotterdam, nay, the whole country to overeat on meatballs. This restaurant is a little piece of heaven and then some.
by
Davy
Baas
Das Brot
The healthiest & tastiest bread in town
Das Brot is a small neighborhood bakery in Rotterdam that makes 'sourdough bread as it should be'. If you see the door closed, don't be afraid to knock!
by
Cinthya
Uribe
Vroesenpaviljoen
Hangout in the park
And for us personally, it’s the simple pleasure of strolling through Vroesenpark with our dog, Andes, culminating in a leisurely break at the pavilion.
by
Floor
Sonneveld
Fenix Food Factory
Little food market Katendrecht
Katendrecht's Fenix Food Factory offers craft beers, natural wines, tasty bites, and riverfront views — perfect for food, drinks, and culture in Rotterdam.
by
Floor
Sonneveld
Heading to Rotterdam?
164 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
✓ 164 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:
