Cityscape Utrecht

panorama



oudegracht (the old canal ) in central utrecht



the oudegracht in 1890s



view on oudegracht dom tower



aerial view of utrecht dom tower

utrecht s cityscape dominated dom tower, tallest belfry in netherlands , part of cathedral of saint martin. ongoing debate on whether building in or near centre of town should surpass dom tower in height (112 m (367 ft)). nevertheless, tall buildings being constructed become part of skyline of utrecht. second tallest building of city, rabobank-tower, completed in 2010 , stands 105 metres (344 feet) tall. 2 antennas increase height 120 metres (394 feet). 2 other buildings constructed around nieuw galgenwaard stadium (2007). these buildings, kantoortoren galghenwert , apollo residence , stand 85.5 metres (280.5 feet) , 64.5 metres (211.6 feet) high respectively.

another landmark old centre , canal structure in inner city. oudegracht curved canal, partly following ancient main branch of rhine. lined unique wharf-basement structures create two-level street along canals. inner city has largely retained medieval structure, , moat ringing old town largely intact. because of role of utrecht fortified city, construction outside medieval centre , city walls restricted until 19th century. surrounding medieval core there ring of late 19th- , 20th-century neighbourhoods, newer neighbourhoods positioned farther out. eastern part of utrecht remains open. dutch water line, moved east of city in 19th century required open lines of fire, prohibiting permanent constructions until middle of 20th century on east side of city.

due past importance of utrecht religious centre, several monumental churches erected, many of have survived. prominent dom church. other notable churches include romanesque st peter s , st john s churches, gothic churches of st james , st nicholas, , buurkerk, converted museum automatically playing musical instruments.