Domkerk, Utrecht, Netherlands

The Church of Saint Martin is built on the site where Utrecht was founded as a Roman border fortress. In the 7th century, during the Frankish period, the monk Wiilibord, responsible for the Christianisation of the region, rebuilt the church of Saint Martin which had been destroyed by the Frisians. He also built a second church and a school for the clergy.
In the 9th century, Utrecht was attacked and destroyed by the Vikings. The church of Saint Martin was later rebuilt in the Romanesque style.
The construction of the Gothic Cathedral, seen today, officially started in 1254, replacing the Romanesque church piece by piece. However, in the beginning of the 16th century both money and enthusiasm ran out, and the construction of the cathedral came to a halt. The influences of the Renaissance and the Reformation further determined that it was left unfinished so in 1674, when a tornado hit the town and country the dome of the unfinished cathedral collapsed. The ruins were left untouched for more than 100 years.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the church and tower were restored several times- but never again reconnected- the most recent restorations taking place in 1979 and 1988.

Opening hours: May to Sep. 10 am to 5 pm, Sat. 10 am to 3.30 pm and Sun. 12.30 pm to 4 pm; Oct. to Apr. 11 am to 4 pm, Sat. 11 am to 3.30 pm and Sun. 12.30 pm to 4 pm.
Entrance free (small donation expected)

 Back to Utrecht











Local: Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht, Países Baixos

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