One of Rotterdam's most distinctive landmarks is the Euromast. Erected in 1960, this 185-metre/435 feet high tower has two restaurants with superb views overlooking Rotterdam. Probably the most provocative architectural project is the city's famous Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) which are a block of houses with unique cube-shaped upper stories. One of them is a Show Cube which is open to the public. Another architectural gem is the White House (Witte Huis). Once Europe's tallest building, this is a stunning ten-story Art Nouveau structure built in 1898 and is now a National Heritage Site offering superb views from its rooftop. Rotterdam is home to the tallest office building in The Netherlands called 'Maastoren' which houses the Nationale-Nederlanden Insurance Company.
Another impressive and outstanding structure is the Erasmusbrug, built in 1996, a 79 metre/2,600 foot cable-stayed bridge linking the north and south of the city. It is held up by a tall pylon with an unusual bend, earning the bridge its nickname “The Swan”. The picturesque yacht marina is one of the few parts of the old city that survived the devastation. It has a remarkable history as it was the departure point from which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed for America. Rotterdam never seems to be finished, and construction cranes are ever-present. There are many new residential buildings and towers and the demand for new offices, hotels and cultural institutions continues, all to be experienced on Netherlands tours.
