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Utrecht is one of Holland’s oldest - and prettiest - cities and boasts the second highest number of cultural events in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam.
The combination of breathtaking medieval architecture wrapped around a beautiful old canal network, continuously injected with a fresh vibrancy by the presence of Holland’s largest university, gives Utrecht the distinctive flavour of a laid back Dutch Oxford or Cambridge.
The city centre is abundant in old churches, monasteries, bridges and wharfs, with the 112.5 metre Domtoren, or Dom Tower, the tallest medieval tower in Europe, acting as its majestic centre piece. The whole town is positively chock-full of art galleries, museums, concert halls and theatre companies.
Visitors to Utrecht are strongly advised to take full advantage of the canal network by hiring a gondola or pedal-boat, or alternatively, taking a guided tour on board a motorised canal-boat.
Kasteel de Haar is located just on the outskirts of Utrecht, it’s an intoxicating fantasy castle straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale; a riot of towers, galleries, moats, gateways and drawbridges, guided tours are available throughout the year and come highly recommended.
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Currency | Euro |
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Culinary specialities | Haring (pickled herrings), Pea soup, Stamppot (mashed potatoes, vegetables and smoked sausage) |
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Famous People | Pope Adrian VI (1459-1523) |
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Historical fact | In the 8th century Utrecht was the most influential seat of power in the Roman Catholic Church. |
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Average temperatures | Winter 6C / Summer 15C |
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