Top Rated Attractions in Rotterdam

Every Episcopal Church has its own distinct identity in terms of belief in the faith. What started in the early 1630s as a congregation of the English and the French protestants, the St. Mary's Episcopal Church has transformed itself into a well recognized denomination over the years. It was formed to minister to the local English community in Rotterdam. Regular prayer services are held on Sundays followed by talks, lectures and classes. The church organizes different events during the year, the most popular of which is the British Christmas Bazaar, held in the month of November. Rental facilities are available as well, details of which are put up on the church notice board. For more information, do check the website.

The Hoftoren, completed in 2003, has since become a familiar feature of The Hague's skyline. At 142 meters (466 feet) and 30 stories in height, it is the fourth tallest building in the Netherlands and its structure is reminiscent of sails filled with wind or a cresting wave. The building houses the Dutch minsitry of Education, Culture and Science and stands adjacent to the Haagse Bos and the Malieveld, The Hague's traditional venue for outdoor amusements and fairs.

Bibliotheca Thysiana contained the collection of Johannes Thysius, a famous lawyer of the 17th Century. He died early, leaving behind some money for the construction of a library. Thus, the Bibliotheca Thysiana was converted into a public library with over 2500 books and manuscripts pertaining to the sciences. It is a brilliant piece of architecture by Arent van ‘s-Gravensande and is listed among the top heritage sites of the country.

Built in the 18th century, Kneuterdijk Palace follows the French architectural influence of Louis XIV. The palace, which is a magnificent structure with tall windows, fine carvings and gabled roofs, was used by the King William II who stayed here along with Queen Anna Paulowna before he became king. The nationally recognized heritage site has since been used as a place for trial for World War II war criminals of Netherlands, the base for the Finance Ministry and finally, after its renovation, as the base for the State Council of Netherlands.

Witte Kerkje Terheijden, popularly known as the White Church, is an important religious building that doubles up a cultural center in Terheijden. Used by the local Protestant Community for daily mass and weekly church services, the facility is also given out for wedding processions, art exhibitions and cultural concerts. The origins of this picturesque church dates back to the early 19th century, when it was under the rule of King Louis Napoleon.

The Archipelbuurt is also known as the Indische Buurt or Indian quarter, both for its streets named for places in the bygone Dutch colonial empire and its ethnically diverse population. The architecture is charming with an emphasis on neo-renaissance accents and stately tiered residences. The Archipelbuurt was the home to many of The Hague's most famous natives and residents, both during The Hague's history as the magnet for colonial officials and merchant families, and its more recent history. It is in some ways considered a neighborhood symbolic of the city itself, like Greenwich Village in New York or the Left Bank in Paris, and it contains several landmarks like the 19th Century Peace Chapel and the oldest Jewish Cemetery in the province.