Archeological finds on the site of the future POST Rotterdam tower

Special visit on the site of POST Rotterdam tower in The Netherlands: the city’s municipal archeologists came by for a thorough excavation of the site to discover more about the area’s history. The former Post Office, which is now being redeveloped into a residential tower, was built there a century ago. With part of that Post Office now under redevelopment, it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the area’s past.

The findings reveal some interesting things! For example, it became clear that the area was possibly inhabited as early as in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th and 15th century. Most finds, however, dated back from the 16th and 17th century. Among other things, the archeologists found exposed hearths, cellars, brick gutters, several waste pits, embankment packs with urban waste and a brick cesspool.

Further archaeological research will be carried out in the coming week to learn more about the earliest habitation of this part of the city; while works progress on the side in the construction pit where the first struts have been placed.

Can you spot the piece of the 17th-century alley that the archeologists have uncovered during their excavation on the first picture? The second picture, dating from 1908, shows the original alley.

Together with Rizzani de Eccher, BESIX NL is currently building the 155-metre-high residential POST Rotterdam tower, for developer Omnam Group. The tower will contain 305 apartments spread across 43 floors. It is part of the broader redevelopment of the former postal office into an extensive mixed-use location, including a five-star hotel, shops and restaurants. Read more.