Photo: Tony Green
Stroll with it
Utrecht is on the site of a settlement known to date as far back as 48AD, although most of the architecture in the core of the city is medieval.
There are three main waterways: the Singel, which forms the border of the ancient city; the Oudegracht (old canal) which was dug between the 10th and 12th centuries and the Nieuwegracht (new canal) which was dug several centuries later.
Most of the centre is pedestrianised and even the streets where vehicles are permitted have very little traffic, so you can enjoy strolling around without too much risk of getting knocked over.
The city's skyline is dominated by the 112 metre Domtoren, the highest church tower in the Netherlands. In 1674 Utrecht was hit by a tornado which destroyed half of the Domkerk, leaving the tower separated from it by some distance; a gap which now forms the Domplein (Dom square).
With plentiful museums and lots of attractive architecture, Utrecht is a great place for a short break.
There are three main waterways: the Singel, which forms the border of the ancient city; the Oudegracht (old canal) which was dug between the 10th and 12th centuries and the Nieuwegracht (new canal) which was dug several centuries later.
Most of the centre is pedestrianised and even the streets where vehicles are permitted have very little traffic, so you can enjoy strolling around without too much risk of getting knocked over.
The city's skyline is dominated by the 112 metre Domtoren, the highest church tower in the Netherlands. In 1674 Utrecht was hit by a tornado which destroyed half of the Domkerk, leaving the tower separated from it by some distance; a gap which now forms the Domplein (Dom square).
With plentiful museums and lots of attractive architecture, Utrecht is a great place for a short break.
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