NETHERLANDS: Utrecht

Many of the buildings in Utrecht's city centre date back to medieval times. 

Hundreds of years ago, a portion of the Rhine River flowed through the city, making this an important spot for trade. 

A unique wharf system was built along the canals where deep cellars served as storage spaces and ran below the houses.

Today, the canals and shipyards are home to shops, restaurants and private residences. 

This double layer makes the Utrecht canals unique.

Look how the streets run higher than the cafes and shops at water level, making two levels along the canal. 

The Dom Tower is in the medieval centre of town and is Utrecht’s most recognizable landmark. The tower is currently under scaffolding for renovations.

It’s the country’s tallest church tower at 370 feet (113 metres). 

(Delft has the second tallest church tower, and there is more about it in the entry about Delft.)

Built between 1321 and 1382, the enormous tower was once part of a larger cathedral and symbolized the power and prestige of the church at the time.

The tower has survived a tornado, religious upheavals, and centuries of tumultuous European history.

A big tower needs big bells.

Even though the tower is under renovations, you can still climb the 465 steps to the top for great views. 

We never counted the steep and narrow steps, so I am not totally convinced that it wasn't a whole lot more than 465 steps. 

The Pandhof Garden is a quiet oasis beside the tower. 

Having become a bit of a History Geek I found this next bit interesting. 

Because Protestantism was the only permissible religion in the early 1600's, many forbidden faith communities came together in private houses.

Outside, these secret places of worship looked like a normal home, but behind the stately façade of this one is a Lutheran Church.

The Lutheran congregation was banned from ringing bells, because only (Reformed) Protestant congregations were allowed to do this.

I have no idea how they played the organ if they couldn't ring bells and were supposed to be secret..

The façade is in the Louis XIV style making it similar to the Amsterdam canal houses around it.

The were different places of worship of different faiths hidden throughout the old city. 

A whimsical place is the Speelklok Museum. 

It is a museum about self-playing musical instruments and organs.

I think we might have been the oldest people on the tour - and we were the only ones without kids. We couldn't help but smile when we left the building.

I would be remiss if I don't mention on the outskirts of Utrecht is the De Haar Castle. 

De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands. 

It was “rebuilt” in the late 1800’s for Baron Van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar. 

Baron Van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar had a fabulous name and title, but, little money. However, he had the surprising good fortune to marry Hélène de Rothschild, an heiress of the infamous Rothschild wealth.

No expense was spared.

After the "reno's" were completed they would use the home every September, and maybe sometimes also in October. 

Generations later they needed more space and built an addition.

The home and contents surprisingly survived WWII while the owners took safe harbour outside the country.

About 4 or 5 generations later the home was donated and is now a museum.

Despite having no home and no closets, I have to say, I did not have "Home Envy".

We both are still enjoying being nomads.