Erasmus

This bronze sculpture of the philosopher and humanist Desiderius Erasmus was created by Hendrick de Keyser in 1622. The statue was cast in the city’s armory on Hoogstraat Street.

When de Keyser passed away in 1619, the sculpture remained unfinished. His son, Pieter de Keyser, completed the work. On April 30, 1622, the statue was placed in Grote Markt, facing Sint Laurenskerk.

It is currently the oldest statue in the Netherlands. It has been relocated twice, once during World War II to protect it from bombings, and again in 1996 when it was mysteriously moved from its pedestal.

Tourists posing next to the Erasmus sculpture in Rotterdam

Erasmus (1467-1536) established a connection with the city of Rotterdam by adopting the surname “Roterodamus.” His name can be found in various places across the city, including a bridge, the university, and a grammar school, among others.

According to an old tale, Erasmus would turn a page of his thick book whenever he heard the bell of Sint Laurenskerk tolling.

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