Cathedral
of St Martin
In the center of Utrecht lies the Domplein (Cathedral Square), with the
Cathedral of St Martin (Reformed), one of the most magnificent churches in
the Netherlands, on its east side. Begun in 1254 on the site of an earlier
Romanesque church (12th C.) and completed in 1517, the Cathedral now
consists only of the choir (completed in 1317), the transepts (1455-79)
and two chapels in the outer south aisle, the nave having been destroyed
in a thunderstorm in 1674. The ruins were cleared away only in 1826, when
the Domplein was laid out on the site. The church was last restored
between 1981 and 1988.
Cloister in Cathedral of St Martin
On the south side of the Cathedral of St Martin choir is the picturesque
cloister (14th-15th C.), which, with the Pandhof, links the Cathedral with
the University. Above the windows are scenes from the life of St Martin,
patron saint of the church, the town and the province of Utrecht. In the
center of the beautiful cloister garden is a fountain with a bronze figure
of a monk writing (1913).
Hoog Catharijne
Northwest of Mariaplaats, extending to Vredenburg, is Hoog Catharijne, one
of the largest indoor shopping centers in Europe. In this luxurious
complex 180 shops with a total floor area of 250,000 sq.m/300,000 sq.yd
offer shoppers an immense and varied range of wares. The complex also
includes facilities for refreshment (restaurants, cafes, bars) and
entertainment (four cinemas).
Tower
of Cathedral of St Martin
Since the destruction of the nave in 1674 the tower (Domtoren) has been
completely detached from the Cathedral of St Martin. Built between 1320
and 1382, it stands 112m/367ft high. Between 1505 and 1509 13 bells,
weighing altogether 31 tons, were cast by Gerrit van Wou of Kampen from
the metal of the previous bells. A carillon of 35 bells was installed in
1664 by the Hemony brothers, who obtained some of the metal they required
by melting down the six smallest bells in the tower. The carillon was
increased to 50 bells in 1982, when the bells missing from the tower were
also replaced.
The tower, once the symbol of episcopal authority, is the tallest church
tower in the Netherlands, and was frequently imitated (Amerongen,
Amersfoort, Groningen, Maastricht). From the platform, 100m/330ft above
ground level (a strenuous climb: 465 steps), there are magnificent views (orientation
table).
In the tower are two chapels, St Michael's Chapel (the bishop's domestic
chapel) and the Egmond Chapel (exhibition on the tower).
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Cathedral
of St Martin
Tower
of Cathedral of St Martin
