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Utrecht is right in the heart of the Netherlands.
It's a medieval city, but the site of the present town centre has been inhabited since the first century AD.
Utrecht's
cathedral (the "Dom") is one of the finest churches in the country, but it was partly destroyed in a hurricane in 1674 and
the cathedral's tower has been separate from the church since.
Utrecht boasts a University (established in 1636) and its
streets are alive with students giving the city a special atmosphere.
| The Old Canal |
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| Having a drink and a chat |
This portal will take you to a large number of Utrecht websites
| The Old Canal |
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| In Dutch it's called "Oudegracht" and it's unique in the world for its quaysides |
| Oudegracht |
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| Springweg Alms Houses |
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| Agnietenstraat Alms Houses |
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| Dom Tower |
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| Achter de Dom |
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| Lange Nieuwstraat |
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| Dom Tower |
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Dom Tower is surely the most magnificent medieval
tower in The Netherlands. It is the tallest, as well: it is 112 metres (360 feet), which means it can be seen from far. Building
high rise towers in the old city is therefore taboo, and quite rightly so! Dom Tower was built between 1321 and
1382. It used to be linked to the Dom Cathedral (which is partly visible in the "Achter de Dom" thumb), but part of the nave
of that church was destroyed in a 1674 tornado. The gap it left is now called Dom Square.
Visit this site to find out about a number of Utrecht tourist attractions.It has a web camera showing live pictures of the
Oude Gracht.
Utrecht is a city full of students and there's plenty
of nightlife. I like going to the pictures or just sitting by the Oudegracht. There are lots of restaurants there and in summer
you can sit and eat by the water. It's great!
| Oudegracht by night, 15 October, 2005 |
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Just to the east of Utrecht there's an old country
estate called Amelisweerd. It's now open to the public and one of my favourite haunts. Linda and I often go there. Most these
pictures are new and were taken on 1 May 2005, which was a warm Sunday.
| The house at Oud Amelisweerd |
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There are still a few farms in the area. Amelisweerd
comprises woods and pastures. There's also a 19th century fortress to defend Holland from attacks from the east. It never
saw any action, for when the Germans came in May 1940 Holland surrendered before they got to this area. After the German Luftwaffe
bombed and razed Rotterdam, they threatened to do the same to Utrecht. Fortunately, this never happened.
Click here to see more Amelisweerd photos taken on 1 May 2005
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