Somewhere between your Grote Kerk and Piet Blom’s Cube House, Markthal Rotterdam is the first oversized indoor market of its kind within the Netherlands and is the biggest glass-window cable structure in Europe. Here’s a guide to visiting the Rotterdam market hall, including highlights and a history!
Rotterdam Market Hall Address | Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 29, Rotterdam City Center, Rotterdam
History of the Markthal Rotterdam: The Netherland’s Largest Indoor Market Hall
Plans for the Markthal Rotterdam were initially put forward for public examination in '09, though the public space was not actually opened until October 1 2020. by the Queen of the Netherlands Located in the Laurenskwartier district of the city, the covered market square makes up the open-space underneath the arch, while private apartments flank each side.
Truth find out, the one thing I did notice when visiting Rotterdam was the sheer quantity of construction work that appeared to be happening around the city! During excavations just before building the Markhal, on the site where the Market Hall now stands was a 10th-century farm.
Another archaeological feature of note was the buried 14th-century village within the Polder of Westnieuwland. This was probably a part of ‘Rotta,’ the predecessor settlement to Rotterdam. A small display featuring historical finds discovered in the area (the Tijdtrap) can now be seen next to the central staircases free of charge. To experience traditional windmills today, be sure to take a simple day trip towards the windmills of Kinderdijk.
Now the hall includes leisure activities, shopping experiences, and culinary delights to sample. Many aspects of city living get together underneath this futuristic archway close to Rotterdam’s Oudehaven (Old Harbour). Underneath the Market Hall, there are car parking facilities that can accommodate up to 1200 vehicles.
The Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) Ceiling of the Markthal
The horseshoe-shaped arch was created by architect Winy Maas and is impressive by itself. However, the truly breathtaking part of the structure is its stunning ceiling. Known as the ‘Cornucopia,’ the 11,000 square metre space comprises of a graphic design created by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam.
The style is really a modern take on traditional Dutch painting and it is assembled from 4000 panels of aluminium. So beautiful may be the Markthal ceiling, that it’s since received the nickname ‘the Rotterdam Sistine Chapel’, while others refer to it as the ‘largest artwork within the world’. Another name for the indoor market as a whole may be the ‘Food Valhalla from the Netherlands’!
Highlights of the Markthal and How to visit Rotterdam’s Market Hall
When it comes to dining experiences, the Market Hall includes numerous restaurants, stands, and stalls where one can purchase freshly made food, as well as get supplies for home. During our amount of time in Rotterdam, we enjoyed traditional Dutch fries (filled with Fritessaus)
Some of the best foodie places within the hall include several supermarkets, a BasQ Kitchen Restaurant, as well as over 460 other stalls! Open 7 days per week and free to enter, the marketplace Hall is open until 8 PM each evening, though restaurants and stalls tend to follow their very own opening times.
Things to complete nearby and Rotterdam travel tips
Blaak Station: Though Rotterdam can be explored by walking or on the bicycle, if you’re short promptly then Blaak station is near to the market hall. Head to inside the station, and you’ll soon realize that a slice of the city’s historic city walls can be admired.
Cube House: If you’ve ever searched for ‘instagrammable’ spots in Rotterdam, then no doubt you’ll know of Piet Blom’s Cube House. Overlooking the city’s old harbour, the idea of the living space, lifestyle hub (and even hotel) is ‘living as an urban roof’.
Erasmus Statue: Among the best secret spots in Rotterdam are available in the form of the Erasmus Statue that sits on the green lawn in front of Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, a restored Gothic Cathedral. Erasmus Desiderius would be a scholar in the 15th-century and it is one of Rotterdam’s most well-known residents.
While Rotterdam is an escape from the hubbub of the crowds of Amsterdam, the town can still get pretty busy! This is especially true of the high season (summer) when events like Summer Carnival take place. Consequently, you will want to book your home to stay as far in advance as you possibly can. Check for the very best Rotterdam accommodation rates.
