Places of interest in Utrecht: description and photo

This city, which preserved its medieval appearance, forever inscribed itself in the rich history of Holland. The religious and cultural center of Europe is not very popular with tourists, but in vain. An old and at the same time always young Utrecht, imbued with the spirit of past eras, will delight those who dream of plunging into the atmosphere of gloomy romance.

A bit of history

The picturesque Utrecht, whose sights reflect all the milestones of its history, appeared around 47 BC. Roman soldiers, who wanted to designate the borders of the great empire, built a powerful fortress, which turned into a modern city, considered the railway capital of the country, because all trains pass through it.

In the 7th century, after the appointment of the Pope's protege, the Utrecht bishopric arises here, and a small town becomes a real stronghold of Christianity. There is a huge number of temples, cathedrals, monasteries that reflect a rich religious life. Utrecht, located on the river Rhine, in the XII - XIII centuries turns into a major shopping center, and in the middle of the XVI century the heads of seven provinces sign the Treaty of Utrecht, which initiated the creation of a single republic.

Two-level channels

Colorful Utrecht, whose sights made the city look unique in the eyes of holidaymakers, and is similar to its neighbors, and at the same time has its own uniqueness. The fantastic city cut through the channels is fabulously beautiful, like Amsterdam, but there is one difference: the promenade embankments are lowered to the water, and the houses are slightly higher. The two-storeyed construction was invented by merchants who had commercial shops, and below them, near the pier, they built their warehouses, and now you can have a snack at the water in cozy cafes and restaurants.

St. Martin's Cathedral and its tower

In the heart of the city is the Cathedral of St. Martin - one of the main religious attractions of Utrecht and the Netherlands. The Protestant Church, considered an example of French Gothic, appeared in 1254 on the site of an ancient temple. Located next to the cathedral tower, St. Martin's Cathedral was originally associated with it, but after a terrible tornado in the XVII century, two structures separated from each other, as the central part of the architectural monument was destroyed.

The symbol of the episcopate - a tower with a bell tower 112 meters high - is built on the site where the Roman soldiers erected a defensive fortress. In the Middle Ages, it was considered the tallest structure in the state. From the observation deck, there are amazing views of the ancient city, enveloped in legends, but not all can climb it, because you will have to pass 465 steps. However, tourists who have crossed the path to the top, admit that the result is worth such efforts, and on a clear day you can enjoy even the panorama of Amsterdam.

Places of interest in Utrecht: Chateau de Haar

Not only the largest, but also the most famous due to its unusual appearance, a luxurious castle is located near the city. A powerful structure that carries tourists during the time of valorous knights, was built by an architect from Holland. Castle de Haar, surrounded by a moat and inaccessible wall, is a wonderful illustration of the troubled Middle Ages. A true architectural miracle with hanging bridges, towers, spiers every year takes guests participating in knight tournaments. So the authorities are trying to revive the traditions of medieval life. The huge park broken near the castle, where it is so pleasant to stroll, many vacationers are compared to Versailles.

Utrecht University

In 1636, the largest university of Europe appeared in the city, then hostels and educational buildings were built, and since then a special student atmosphere reigns here, which differs from other Holland cities in the cozy Utrecht. Sights, photos of which can be seen in all tourist guidebooks, attract the attention of foreign guests.

By the way, the university has an open observatory for a general visit, equipped with modern telescopes, and everyone can watch distant stars.

Railway Museum

Since the vibrant Utrecht is a major rail and road junction of the country, it is not surprising that the city has an unusual museum, exhibits which will interest people of all ages. Located on the former station Het Spoorwegmuseum is a unique place where you can see a huge collection of old suitcases and chests, sit in the simulator of the driver's cab or ride a mini-train.

Walks on river trams

To fully enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and see the various attractions of Utrecht (photos with descriptions and their addresses can be found in the maps-guides), just go for a walk on the river tram. The tour lasts about an hour, and during this time guests will see the old houses, powerful city walls, and, of course, those two-level channels that have become unique for the whole of Holland.

Illuminated illumination

Utrecht, which the locals call "an ancient city with a big heart", is famous throughout the world for the light show Trajectum Lumen. Conducted on the streets all year round, it enthralls a fantastic backlight made by real professionals. Modern masters create amazing paintings on the walls of buildings, asphalt, roofs and even under bridges.

As tourists admit, seeing a light show is the best way to find out on the other side a wonderful city. I want to wander the night away, enjoying the beautiful images that are embodied both on the facades of buildings and on the cobblestone streets, and colorful illumination tourists call one of the main attractions of Utrecht.

Reviews of holidaymakers

Foreign guests say that it is necessary to go here for impressions of walking around the city, which is transported to the Middle Ages. Luxurious architectural structures, two-level channels, memorable light illumination should be seen by everyone who wants to know how the past is combined in Utrecht with the present. A city that does not resemble others has its own color.

As tourists admit, reality surpasses all expectations, and some even experience a cultural shock at the sight of the main attractions of the pearl of Holland.