Rotterdam – H. van Diehlen & Co., 1935

“Rotterdam ‘Cito’ plan, groote uitgave”, [Rotterdam “Cito” plan, large edition]. Lithographic offset print published in 1935 by N.V. “Cartographia” H. van Diehlen & Co., The Hague. Size: 47 × 62 cm.

Detailed street plan of Rotterdam and its surroundings, published in the mid-1930s – on the eve of the destruction of the city centre in May 1940. The map shows the street layout, harbours, railway lines, and the network of tram, bus and steam-tram routes, municipal ferries, and steamboats. In addition to the Central Station, the now-disappeared Station Maas (on the site of today’s Tropicana) is also depicted.

On the left bank of the Maas we see the Waalhaven, with Waalhaven Airport to the south and the extensive docklands stretching towards the Maashaven and Rijnhaven; to the north, the Spaanse Polder still appears as pastureland, together with Overschie; to the east lie the Kralingse Plas and the villa districts of Kralingen. The Nieuwe Maas river forms the central axis of the city, with the many ports and quays reflecting the economic prosperity of the interwar years.

On the reverse is a comprehensive street index, intended for the practical orientation of residents, travellers, and harbour visitors.

The name “Cito-plan” refers to a series of popular city maps published by Van Diehlen & Co. during the 1930s under that brand name. Cito (Latin for “quickly”) alluded to the ease of orientation and up-to-date character of these maps, which were issued for numerous Dutch cities in both “Large” and “Small” editions and widely distributed through bookshops and kiosks.

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