interessant.in / Utrecht / History

Submerge yourself in 2000 years of history. Grab the smart flashlight and go on an underground exploration full of exiting stories and archeological artefacts..

Discover the Roman times and Middle Ages with modern aids

DOMunder allows you to experience history from the time the Romans built the castellem Trajectum, around 45 A.D. And why was Utrecht the center of the Netherlands in the middle ages? You can even experience the destructive tornado that caused the nave of the Dom to collapse in 1674. DOMunder brings the history buried under the Dom Square to life for all to experience and see, young and old alike.

A visit to DOMunder begins at Domplein 4: here you can purchase tickets and visit ancient cellars. Special guided archeological tours can also be arranged tor those who want to dig deeper.

Prestigious award

DOMunder was honered om April 29th in London with Museums + Heritage Awards for Excellence 2015 in the category International. DOMunder receives the award for the experience design developed by the Utrecht consultanting company Tinker imagineers in cooperation with JDdV Architects. “We loved the innovative and creative use of technology which was an intelligent solution to the challenge of interpreting archaeology, successfully creating a sense of place and bringing structural foundations to life!”, said the jury.

Photos: Oliver Schuh

History

This enclosed garden has been restored, but its existance at one point was questionable. After the original construction (in the years 1390-1440) the courtyard was in use as a cloister garden, and if you take the time to sit down here, you can almost feel that. But in the eighteenth and nineteenth century the courtyard had ended up in a terrible state and was in use as storage space and sometimes even as soldiers' quarters. There was much to do about the ownership of this courtyard, the church and the tower. State, city council and the Dutch Reformed Church had their claims on these buildings and grounds. During the French occupation the Dom church had become property of the State, and it took until 1826 before all ownership issues where clarified. But that did not necessarily mean that the prospective owners started to care about this historical site and the buildings surrounding it. An adjacent Medeval house belonging to the cloister was torn down. Not until the end of nineteenth century the courtyard was restored into its current state. 

You may enter the courtyard both from the Dom square as well as from the street called "Achter de Dom" (behind the Dom); entrance is free. Wander through the archway and admire the garden from each possible direction. The courtyard is a great place to experience some peace and quiet in the heart of the city!

When the eleventh century church of St Mary's was torn down in the 19th century, the garden and covered walkway were fortunately spared - but only because they were on the property of the neighboring Old-Catholic Church.

This cloister garden is a hidden spot on Mariaplaats, right next to the building for Arts and Sciences (currently hosting the Utrecht Conservatorium or University of Arts, Music branch). Walk through the covered walkway and enjoy the view through the arches. The well-maintained garden hosts many different and unusual flowers and plants (full list on the Dutch website below). Make sure to also visit adjacent Mariahoek with its stately houses and quiet atmosphere.

Foto's: 1. Anne Hamers / Toerisme Utrecht; 2, 3: Interessant.in/utrecht

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).

Unlike the busy Oudegracht, the Nieuwegracht ("New canal") offers a place of tranquility in the city of Utrecht. This is mostly because Nieuwegracht is not a shopping zone but more residential. As a result, ground level facades have not been modernized. Nieuwegracht starts just south of Dom Church. The intersection of Trans, Pausdam, Kromme Nieuwe Gracht and Nieuwegracht offers a great opportunity for a 360 degree panoramic view of historical Utrecht.

From this starting point, wander along Nieuwegracht and observe the plaques embedded in many houses. Do not forget to walk a part of the journey at the waterfront level. The waterway of Nieuwegracht leads to Tolsteegsingel, a part of the former water defence line of the city. At the end of Nieuwegracht you can see Sonnenborgh, the observatorium and museum, and looking right you look into Agnietenstraat.

While walking along the canal you will pass Centraal Israëlitisch Weeshuis (Central Israelian Orphanage), located at Nieuwegracht 92. In 1942 the inhabitants and staff of this building were deported by the German occupation force, first to camp Westerbork and from there to several concentration camps in Eastern Europe. So-called "Stolpersteine" or stumbling stones in front of the entrance remind us of this black page in the history of this building.