Introduction to Utrecht

Utrecht is located in the center of the Netherlands. It is a very important hub in the Dutch transportation system. It has a history of nearly 2,000 years. Therefore, although it is ranked among the four largest cities in the Netherlands, the old city is still The scenery has remained unchanged for hundreds of years, and there is a quiet and calm atmosphere everywhere.

The founding of Utrecht dates back to AD 47. The canal in Utrecht is quite special, because walking along the river embankment, there is a small platform right next to the water. When the weather is fine, you can bask in the warm sunshine at the outdoor cafes on these platforms and watch people engaged in water activities riding pedal boats, rowing unique small wooden boats or canoes, and enjoying the leisurely sunshine.

The history of Utrecht can be traced back to AD 47, when it was a military fortress built by the Romans to protect the mouth of the Rhine River, called the "Trajectum ad Rhenum" (Trajectum ad Rhenum). In the third century, the Germans attacked from the east and destroyed the fortress, ending Roman rule. In the late seventh century, King Pepin II of the Franks, who converted to Christianity, came to power and appointed a Dutch missionary as the first archbishop. With Utrecht as the center, he worked to convert the people of the diocese to Christianity. With the efforts of generations of bishops, Utrecht built a cathedral (Domkerk) in the 13th century. Later, with the cathedral as the center, a cross-shaped church was built on the east, west, north and south sides. Since then, Utrecht has established itself as the stronghold of Christianity. The numerous churches and monastery ruins that still exist in the city today can prove the profound influence of Christianity on this ancient city. Since the 17th century, Utrecht has gradually developed into a commercial and industrial town. In the 19th century, it was upgraded to a provincial-level city due to the development of railways and roads. The term Utrecht not only represents the name of the city, but also the name of a province - Utrecht Province, whose capital is the city of Utrecht.

Although many ancient cities in the Netherlands have their own independent canal systems, Utrecht's canals are more poetic. The Old Canal (Oudegracht), built in the 11th century and running through the Old Town, is the oldest canal in Utrecht. It was originally a trench dug to prevent the Rhine from flooding. Now it is the best attraction when visiting Utrecht. . The biggest feature of the Utrecht Canal is its piers, which are lower than ordinary roads and are close to the water, forming a unique landscape. Go down the steps of the canal embankment and stand on the pier. You can see the beautiful scenery of arch bridges, ancient buildings, melodious church bells and lush greenery as the river meanders across the river. It makes people feel like "walking along the river". "Looking for the peach blossom forest" impulse. The canal embankment next to the pier used to be warehouses separated from each other. Most of them were owned by people on the street. Now most of these warehouses have been converted into bars, restaurants or cafes. When the weather is nice, the pier also becomes an open air. Best location for coffee shop. Many people’s first impression of Utrecht is her ultra-modern central train station and Hoog Catharijne shopping mall. The train station is connected to the shopping mall, with more than 180 stores. It can be said to be the largest shopping mall in the Netherlands. It has everything from restaurants to fashionable clothing. The outside of this huge building faces the Jaarbeurs Conference Center and Herman Hertzberger's Vredenburg Music. center. The Utrecht Regional Tourism Office is also near the train station.

Utrecht has the tallest clock tower in the Netherlands, the Domtoren. This clock tower is not only the most conspicuous landmark of Utrecht, but also highlights the historical development and religion of Utrecht. close relationship. Utrecht was originally a military fortress built by the Romans on the Rhine River in the first century AD, and later developed into a city. In the seventh century AD, Anglo-Saxon missionaries were appointed by the German emperor to serve as the bishop of Utrecht. Because the position of bishop not only has considerable religious authority, it also has regional administrative jurisdiction. In addition to the city where the bishop lived, nearby areas were also within the jurisdiction, and Utrecht became the center of power for the entire episcopal jurisdiction.