The fire limits

That Rotterdam has a seemingly short history is already clear when taken a look at the overpowering modern architecture of the city. However, our city has its roots in the 13^th century. The modern history can be lead back to 1850, when the harbors went through an exponential growth, which was followed by the rest of the city.

In the time the city prepared itself for its 600^th birthday, in 1940, the German bombardments hit the whole center of the city. The fire that came from the bombardment took 4 days to put out and left an almost empty landscape. More than 24.000 houses were destroyed. About 800 people died and 80.000 people became homeless.

The plans for a reconstructions were soon made, but the work only really began properly after the war. The city got the image of a ‘working city’ and developed itself as model for modernity.

The fire limits (De Brandgrens) indicates where the German bombardment had its destroying effect. The city council decided in 2006 to permanently mark the fire limits, to create a place for memorial and to help to tell the history of the city.

In 2010 this project was finally completed. The marking consist of lights in the pavement that light up red at night. The lights are decorated with a burning Rotterdam, a German bomber and the sculpture The Destroyed City by Ossip Zadkine.

Connected with the fire line is an audio tour, that unfortunately is currently only offered in Dutch. However, the route still provides a lovely overview of the city with its modern as well as historic buildings. Would you love to follow this lovely city walk this weekend? Take a look at Brandgrens for the map!

Would you like to live in Rotterdam? Take a look at Domica Rotterdam for more information!