As we dive into the heart of Rotterdam’s past, prepare to uncover the city's darker, more turbulent chapters. This tour will reveal tales of crime, violence, and the shadows cast by the city’s most unsettling moments. From the bloodshed of forgotten conflicts to eerie secrets hidden in plain sight, we'll explore the events that shaped modern Rotterdam.
Below are a few of the gripping stories we'll uncover together.
Executions
Once convicted, a verdict could range from the loss of a hand to a death sentence, depending on the severity of the crime. Executions were often public events, drawing large crowds. The executioner had to do his job properly, preferably involving a lot of blood — as the expectations of the eager public for a "fun" day out were high. The chatter about it lasted for days and days.
Gallows
If you were visiting Rotterdam in the past, the first thing you’d likely notice were the gallows. They were an eerie sight, and when the wind blew just the wrong way, the atmosphere was even more unsettling. A warm welcome to the city, indeed!
Witches
Over two centuries, nearly 60,000 people — mostly women — were executed for alleged witchcraft in a series of hunts and trials that spread across Europe and the Americas. Those found guilty were hanged, beheaded, or burned at the stake. Accusations spread like wildfire, and if someone held a grudge or harbored suspicions about you, your chances of survival were slim once an accusation was made.
Asylum for the insane
The terms "deranged," "wildly crazy," "unsound mind," and "nonsensical" were frequently used to describe the patients admitted to the asylum for the insane. The records show a wide range of conditions for which people got locked up, a person didn't necessarily have to be mentally ill. Once you were sent to this madhouse sane or insane, this wasn't a place where you would want to find yourself.
The Zandstraat Slums
Today, this area is a charming part of Rotterdam, perfect for a romantic evening out or a bit of shopping in the city's upscale boutiques. But just a century ago, it looked nothing like it does today.
The district, known as Zandstraatbuurt, was one of the most deplorable parts of the city. Narrow, dark alleys wound through slums where far too many people lived crammed together. Scarred by poverty, they did whatever they could to survive — whether it was for a penny or a loaf of bread.
