Binnenrotte Square, Rotterdam

The square known as Binnenrotte began as part of the water-course of the Rotte River, before changes in the late 19th century transformed it into solid ground. With the arrival of the rail line between Rotterdam and Dordrecht city in 1871, a viaduct was built over this zone, effectively draining and repurposing the space for urban use. Over time this open area became host to a modest market in a corner of the square, surrounded by unassuming buildings.

Extensive bombing of the city centre in the Second World War caused severe damage here. In the decades that followed city-planners embraced the space as an opportunity to reshape the centre. In 1993 the railway viaduct was replaced by a tunnel and the square took its modern form, becoming a large new public plaza.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Binnenrotte hosts the renowned Binnenrotte Market, with roughly 450 stalls and around 70,000 visitors each week. Shoppers can browse everything from fresh produce and fish to household wares, second-hand books, clothing and vintage finds. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early on market days to benefit from the full range of stalls, and later in the afternoon to catch closing-time bargains.