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Guide to Utrecht
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Sightseeing in Utrecht - what to see. Complete travel guide
This city is located in the central part of the country. This is a major university center and a popular resort of the Netherlands. First mentions of the city belong to the first century. At that time a large fortress was built by the Romans on the place of the modern city. For many years Utrecht has been an important point of defense. In the end of the 7th century it became a large diocese. This is the reason why numerous temples, churches and other religious buildings have survived here till our days. In the middle of the 16th century the city became the center of Utrecht Dutch Republic.
Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Utrecht inhabitants
Foreign visitors should definitely take into account local rules of conduct and rules of etiquette, as it will make your stay in the city even more comfortable. Those coming to Utrecht on … Open
The central part of the city is surely the most notable for tourists. Several major museums are also located here. If you want to see a collection of paintings by best Dutch painters, you will find all you need in Central Museum. Fans of numismatics should visit Museum of Coins. Other interesting exhibitions are presented in Railway Museum and Museum of Science and Society.
Domkerk cathedral is notable enough to distinguish it from the above-mentioned religious sites of the city. The spire of this beautiful Gothic building is visible from all parts of the city. This spire is considered the highest one in the Netherlands. The construction of the cathedral started in the middle of the 13th century and lasted more than three hundred years. The original building was designed in the Romanesque style, but it was rebuilt several times. Now its facade and tower are made in the late Gothic style, but the interior has retained the charming designs of 13 - 14 centuries. The inner decoration of the cathedral's halls has never been changed. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Excursion over cultural sights of Utrecht - 'must visit' points of interest
In Utrecht there is the oldest religious building in the Netherlands; the first mention of the Cathedral (Domkerk) dates back to the 7th century. The ancient religious building was severely … Open
Several notable buildings are located near the cathedral. Visitors are recommended to attend Bishop's Garden and the arcade located on its territory. Giant stained-glass windows depicting saints are the main decoration of the arcade. If you manage to visit this city in late August, you will be able to participate in a nice holiday - Festival of Early Music. At this time of year the city attracts best musicians from different parts of the world. The beautiful music is played here during seven days, rejoicing and delighting music lovers.
Van Verdun castle is an outstanding historical monument. Its construction took place in the first half of the 15th century. For hundreds of years of its existence, the castle changed its status repeatedly. In the 19th century, it housed a military prison, later they opened there a hospital. In the early 20th century, the historic building belonged to the Ministry of Defence. Recently, the old castle has been fully refurbished. Nowadays, a prestigious restaurant is housed there. The castle is often used for weddings and other special occasions.
Your active city break in Utrecht. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Travelers going to Utrecht in search of new experiences and exciting entertainment won't be disappointed. The most amazing and unusual entertainment center of the city is a miniature … Open
In the vicinity of Utrecht is an old Groenstein estate. It is also a preserved part of the medieval fortifications. Supposedly, the castle was built at the end of the 14th century and used to be part of an extensive building complex initially. To this day, only the manor survived. Since the mid-18th century, it has remained almost unchanged. Many buildings were destroyed at the end of the 19th century. Currently, the estate is remarkable for its picturesque park and artificial canals.
On one of the central streets of the city, the old Clarenburg manor is found. It was built in the 12th century. In the middle of the last century, the historical building miraculously avoided demolition. The mansion prevented the construction of a new highway. Today, the restored building includes a restaurant and unique cellars from the times of the early Middle Ages.
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Utrecht
1.Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday is a common day-off. Saturday and Monday are half-days, so the timetable of places of interest should be specified in advance. 2. Mains … Open
The Lichtenberg castle is located not far from the Old Canal. It was also built in the 12th century and originally belonged to a wealthy Lichtenberg family. The castle has been privately owned until 1537. Then, Charles V decided to buy it back and renovate for the needs of the city council. In the first half of the 19th century, the building underwent an extensive renovation and acquired the unique features of the neoclassical style. It is still operated by the city municipality.
Although, only the ruins of the ancient Vredenburg Castle have remained, it is still an important historical symbol for Utrecht. It was built in the first half of the 16th century. Once, the castle with economic annex buildings occupied a vast territory. Subsequently, the castle lost its primary importance and was destroyed. Archaeologists succeeded in discovering its remaining fragments quite recently, in 1976. Now, guests of Utrecht can see the preserved part of the foundation of the once magnificent castle.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Utrecht is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
Utrecht - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6
City tours, excursions and tickets in Utrecht and surroundings
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Utrecht
♥ Castle 'Vredenburg Castle' , 1.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Slot Zuylen' , 6.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'De Haar Castle' , 10.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Nijenrode Castle' , 12.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Drakensteyn Castle' , 12.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Utrecht
♥ National Park 'Utrechtse Heuvelrug' , 16.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Biesbosch' , 44.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Hoge Veluwe' , 47.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'De Loonse en Drunense Duinen' , 47.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ National Park 'Zuid-Kennemerland' , 52.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Utrecht and around
♥ Art museum 'Centraal Museum' Utrecht, 0.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museum Catharijneconvent' Utrecht, 0.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden' Leerdam, 21.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Cobra Museum' Amstelveen, 30.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Hermitage Amsterdam' Amsterdam, 35.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
Sights around Utrecht from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Museum
From the series "15 Unofficial Man-Made Wonders of the World"
Check on the map: Distance from Utrecht center - 36.8 km.
In recent years, the museum's collection replenished with a variety of unusual sculptures. The layout of the Earth and a huge statue of Shiva are among the most impressive ones. Visit to the amazing museum in Amsterdam promises to be not only memorable, but also very informative event. Guests will learn about using fluorescence in contemporary art, industry and even marketing. They will understand how the thinnest ray of light is able to turn even an ordinary gray stone into a priceless piece of art. … Read further
Sauna Deco
From the series "Most Extraordinary Thermaes, Baths and Saunas in the World"
In the 1970s, the department store, which was known for its exquisite interior design, was renovated. After the renovation, most decor elements were abolished. These magnificent decor elements of the historical department store were brought into the sauna of Amsterdam. Today its visitors can go to the pool on a unique wooden staircase, over which several decades ago Parisians went shopping. Tourists who decide to visit the most famous and popular sauna in the Netherlands, should observe an important rule - wearing a bathing suit in sauna is strictly prohibited … Read further
Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum
From the series "Strange, Weird and Unusual Museums Amusing its Visitors"
Some museum rooms are dedicated to breeding the exhibits - here the various hemp varieties cultivated by the museum staff grow. Since 2003, the large and constantly updated collection of exhibits has been located in the new building, not far from Dam Square. Today, the museum's guests can see more than 6,000 unique exhibits. Although the theme of the museum is quite contradictory and controversial, the numerous tourists have been receiving it for several years. It must be borne in mind that the children under 13 years of age can visit the museum of marijuana free of charge, but only accompanied by adults. … Read further
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Detailed Utrecht maps
Tram map of Utrecht
Utrecht photo gallery
The Dominican Republic continues to build hotels
In total, more than 600 rooms are available for guests. Suitable rooms can be found by independent travelers, and by couples in love, and by families. The hotel also has fairly large rooms, which can simultaneously accommodate up to six guests. Read this
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Sightseeing in regions nearby Utrecht
The town named Hilversum is located in the heathery Het Gooi hills on the east of North Holland. This is one of the twelve provinces of the Netherlands. This town is also a radio and a television broadcasting center. Here is headquartered International Netherlands Radio. The town is situated on the railway line that connects Amsterdam with Schiphol Airport and further, with ... Open »
A wonderful ancient city, Amersfoort is full of medieval era sights that are still in great condition. Its territory attracted first citizens yet in the 10th century, but it was only the 13th century when this place got the status of a city and the name Amersfoort. Today only ruins of the ancient fortress wall remind of the old city. The length of this wall estimated 1.5 km ... Open »
Gouda Candles or Candle Night is the most impressive and colorful event in Gouda. This is an annual festival that takes place in the city in the first winter month. On the day of the event, the head of the city lights up the main Christmas tree during a festive ceremony. All buildings surrounding the square also get special holiday illumination. In order to make this event ... Open »
The city is full of new buildings and a huge part of them is dedicated to hotels and tourist complexes. The biggest and one of the most comfortable hotels of this city is Apollo Almere City Centre Hotel, which is located in the center. Here tourists will find apartments that fit absolutely any taste. Another advantage of this hotel is its short distance to main restaurants and ... Open »
What can Amsterdam offer its visitors? In this city travellers can find not only a wide range of historical and cultural places of interest, such as, for example, The Royal Palace or the Rijksmuseum, but also many unique and funny places, such as the Hash-Marijuana-Hemp Museum. In general, Amsterdam is mostly famous for its museums, which keep attracting millions of tourists ... Open »
Upon your arrival in Leiden, you will immediately notice this beautiful castle that stands on a twelve-meter-tall hill. It looks like it is floating in the air above the city. The medieval stronghold was restored several times, so visitors can see its upgraded walls at the moment. Moreover, the latest restoration, which happened in 2010, added one more new element – the ... Open »
All about Utrecht, Netherlands - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Utrecht, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Utrecht in few days.
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