The Seven Alleys
This little neighborhood was a social project in the nineteenth century and is still a true Utrecht quarter.
The "Zeven Steegjes", or Seven Alleys, in Utrecht consist of these streets: Korte Rozendaal, Lange Rozendaal, Kockstraat, Brouwerstraat, Boogstraat, Moutstraat, Suikerstraat and Fockstraat; if you counted, you will have noticed eight alleys.
The charitas of the Roman-Catholic parish started as early as 1842 constructing housing for families with large numbers of children and a dependency of the help of the church. During this time period, as a result of the fear for epidemies, interest increased in the health aspects of housing. For instance, the city regulators demanded an end to deadend streets, as ventilation and airing were considered good steps against diseases and epidemies.
Not until the fifties of the previous century these little row houses were provided with on-premise toilet facilities. Since then, there have been several renovations and much discussion whether to tear down these houses, that barely meet modern demands. However, that threat was averted and this historical section of housing development was saved.
During sunny days, much of the social life in this neighborhood is lived out in the narrow streets (which are pedestrian zones). This one of the parts of town where you can still hear the authentic Utrecht dialect (which does not necessarily sound nice in the ears of others).
Address: Lange Rozendaal Utrecht
Typical for The Seven Alleys:
History Social housing Charitas