Comparison - Ilse de Schipper
The Transit Cities
For this project, I found out that Krems had been an important transit city in the Renassaince. Since I come from Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe. It was interesting to look a little bit further into them, so here is the result from that...
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is known for being the biggest seaport in Europe since the Renaissance era. Because of the delta water system and the influx of two big rivers, it's easy to im- and export goods from the sea to the mainland. Rotterdam has always invested in the modernization and growth of the port and after WWII in the 20th century, even more new innovations have taken place, for example expanding into the North Sea.
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Krems
Krems has been an important city throughout history. In the renaissance era, it was as big as Vienna and played a key role in the im- and export of products. It was a main stop for cargo ships travelling with iron for which Krems traded mostly wine and beer that was produced in nearby fields.
Differences and Similarities
Similarities
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Both are known for their ports
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Both are settled around a big river
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Both lay in strategic places for trade
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Both had a period of growth during the renaissance
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Both got their wealth from the trade
Differences
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Rotterdam's growth came before and outlasted Krems' trade spike making it a world tradeport today
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Rotterdam continually innovated its port and sustain growth
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Rotterdam has an official port, a distinction Krems does not have
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After the destruction Rotterdam sustained in WWII, Rotterdam had to modernise it's port. Since Krems wasn't affected in that same way, it still has many beautiful buildings from the renaissance period and barok times.