Utrecht Visit

A much anticipated midweek trip to the Netherlands, taking in Utrecht and Amsterdam. The main reason of course to see Marillion but plenty of time to have a look around the medieval city of Utrecht.   
We are staying at the Bunk Hotel, a Church in a previous life but a hotel since 2015. Lots of the old brickwork and features creates a unique ambience. The room was a bit on the tight side, but fine for one night. We are literally just over the road from the gig venue, the TivoliVredenburg, which is very handy. Our bags dropped off we venture into town to have a wander and see what the 4th largest city in the Netherlands has to offer?

The first thing is to avoid being hit by a bike. They come at you from all directions and seem to take priority. Very much like Amsterdam there are bikes and cyclists everywhere. It does very much have an Amsterdam feel to it with the tree lined canals.   

The town of Utrecht is very impressive I have to say. Some really interesting shops and plenty of them too. A great area for wandering, lots of side streets to explore. Wherever you go though you can hardly miss the iconic 'Domtoren', a 14th-century bell tower. Located opposite the he Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin or Dom Cathedral on central Domplein square.

The Dom Tower is the tallest Church tower in the Netherlands at 112.32 metres (368,5 feet) in height. Not surprisingly it is considered the symbol of Utrecht. Since the unfinished nave collapsed in 1674, the Dom tower has been a freestanding tower. At the moment the Tower is covered in scaffolding as restoration work is taking place. Work started in 2019 after two years of planning. It should all be finished by the Summer of 2024. That should keep it going for the next fifty years! Debris that was freed during construction was used to make Dom Tower souvenirs and artwork.

Dom Tower

The Cathedral is built on the former site of a Roman Castle. Building work lasted nearly three centuries from 1254- 1520.It has survived a lot of storms and disasters over the years. Including a whirlwind in 1674which collapsed the nave of the church. 

One of the most striking features is the huge stained glass Gospel window. It depicts the four evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John under the cross.

The Gospel Window

It's official. I really like Utrecht! Definitely more laid back than Amsterdam, which isn't really that surprising. It has a lovely feel to it and something for everyone. There is a real mix of the new and the old coming together. A nice Pizza lunch and a Beer has set me up nicely for the Marillion concert later tonight. Better go and get in the queue if we want a good pitch near the stage.