“The Dom”, the 112 meter high cathedral tower,  is the symbol of the city of Utrecht. It has been watching over the city for over six centuries.

Utrecht has a history of almost 2000 years.  It is the second oldest city in the Netherlands. It was founded in the year 47 by Roman General Corbulo.  The Roman Trajectum ad Rhenum (fortress on the Rhine), later changed into Ultrajectum, is the foundation for Utrecht. King Pippijn II of Herstal suggested Willibrord as first bishop of Utrecht and the Frisians, a Roman fortress on the Rhine became his establishment. This was the start of Utrecht around the current Dom square area.

Utrecht grew into a major city with great religious power. Therefore many churches, abbeys and monasteries were built over the centuries. During these centuries Utrecht also fights several battles with IJsselstein. But neither one of them ever manages to conquer the other.

Nowadays Utrecht is the fourth largest city of the Netherlands. A walk through the narrow streets of the historic centre or the museum quarter are very worthwhile. You can also do a boat trip on the many canals of Utrecht. And then there are the many museums.

The seven major museums are:

·         Centraal Museum (modern art) en Dick Bruna huis (Miffy)

·         Aboriginal Art Museum

·         Catharijne Convent (religion)

·         Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement (music boxes)

·         Geldmuseum (money)

·         Universiteitsmuseum (science)

·         Spoorwegmuseum (trains)

 

Trade fairs, congresses and meetings

With more than 100,000 m2 Jaarbeurs is the largest Exhibition Center in the Netherlands. In the hall complex there are 12 halls. In the hall complex there’s also the Media Plaza, a congress centre consisting of 16 rooms. Then there is the Beatrix Building with 28 meeting rooms and 5 conference rooms. More information at: www.jaarbeursutrecht.nl .  Thanks to Jaarbeurs, the central location and the presence of several other conference and  hotel accommodations, the Utrecht region has an excellent environment for business meetings.

 

Beatrix Theatre

Beatrix Theatre is one of the most popular locations of Utrecht. The year-round theatre attracts thousands of visitors through the dazzling musicals of Joop van den Ende Theatre Productions. Besides musicals and other theatrical performances there are many different events. Visit www.beatrixtheater.nl for program information.

 

Events in Utrecht

Utrecht has many cultural events and musical events. For a comprehensive look at events calendar  at www.utrechtyourway.nl. This is also the main web portal for the region of Utrecht.