For the next one hundred years, the Republic dominated and became responsible for the majority of all trade in Western Europe, including controlling trade activities within the Baltic Sea region. The country’s early maritime history began in the late 16th century with the United Provinces of the Netherlands becoming the leading maritime superpower in Europe. The Dutch, early conquerors of the sea, were among the first western civilizations to build ships, explore the globe, and engage in the trade of goods. Today the industrial machinery and historic boats of days gone by are surrounded by modern day high-rises. You can step aboard one of the intriguing ships to take a closer look and learn about the vessel’s past. Interpretive signage cites interesting facts and historical notes about the port’s nautical history. Near the museum is a bright red cast-iron lighthouse, the “Low Light of the Hook of Holland”, which was formerly located at the entrance of the Nieuwe Waterweg (New Waterway). This open-air section of the Rotterdam Maritime Museum consists of early 20th century dockyard equipment, looming cranes, a grain elevator, peculiar mechanical contraptions, massive gears, pulleys, and hooks. In 1979, the Leuvehaven would take on the new role of serving as an open-air nautical museum, providing a nostalgic and firsthand look into the city’s early shipping industry. This is the location where Rotterdam’s modern seaport would grow.
From 1598 to 1609 the old harbour, once a small creek named de Leuve, was transformed through several dredging operations to accommodate the entry and mooring of larger ships in the city.
Days gone by museum series#
At the Leuvehaven, the oldest artificial harbour in the city, I walk across a series of gangways to take a closer look at some of the historic sailing vessels. The Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) is dramatically backdropped by cloud-heavy skies as water taxis dart by on the choppy waves. On a cool and breezy fall afternoon I stroll along the waterfront of the Nieuwe Maas River in Central Rotterdam.
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