Did you know:
That the city of Rotterdam is the city of Desiderius Erasmus, humanist and priest (1466-1536). He stands for freedom of speech, respect for others, knowledge and culture, tolerance and education.
- ‘All the world is my homeland,’ Erasmus thought. He is the symbol of knowledge without borders. At a time when a twenty-kilometre distance took a day’s travel, Erasmus travelled all over Europe.
- Erasmus was very critical of the church and those in power. His best-known book is probably ‘The Praise of Folly’, in which he mocked man and society.
Meet Erasmus, the most famous Rotterdammer of all time
- Visit the Erasmus Experience in the Rotterdam Library. The Library also houses the Erasmus Collection, the largest collection of books by and about Erasmus.
- Gifts! The Rotterdam Tourist Office (Coolsingel 411) sells bags, mugs, notepads and fridge magnets with the image of the Rotterdam humanist. All designed by visual designer Job Taks (Hunted). Great gifts for tourists and locals alike!
- The Erasmus Walk takes you on a walk along all the Erasmus-related spots in Rotterdam
- The statue of Erasmus on the Grotekerkplein is 400 years old. The story goes that Erasmus turns a page of his book every day on the twelfth chime of twelve o’clock. On April 30 2024, Rotterdammers, students and pupils brought their favourite book and turned a page together with Erasmus as an ode to peace.