St Martin's Cathedral — Attraction in Utrecht

Founded in 1254, the cathedral was originally built as a Roman Catholic church and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, a popular saint in Europe during the Middle Ages.

It was constructed on the site of an older church dating back to around 630 AD, showing Utrecht's long ecclesiastical history.

Gothic Architecture

The cathedral was built in French Gothic style, inspired by great cathedrals like those in Amiens and Reims.

At its peak, it was the largest church in the Netherlands.

The Dom Tower (Domtoren), completed in 1382, stands at 112.5 meters (369 ft) and is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

The Storm of 1674

In 1674, a massive tornado struck Utrecht and caused the nave (central part) of the cathedral to collapse.

The nave was never rebuilt, which is why today, the Dom Tower stands apart from the main church building—something that surprises many visitors.

From Catholic to Protestant

After the Reformation, the cathedral became a Protestant church in the 16th century.

Much of the Catholic interior was removed or destroyed, including altars and statues.

Burial Site

Several bishops of Utrecht and noble figures are buried in the church.

There is also a crypt beneath the choir of the cathedral that is occasionally open to the public.

The Dom Church has a rich organ and choral tradition and regularly hosts concerts. Its Baroque organ, built in 1831, is renowned for its...

St. Martin's Cathedral (Domkerk) in Utrecht is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and peaceful ambiance. The church is impressive in its size and simplicity, with towering columns, soaring arches, and stunning stained-glass windows that filter in soft, colorful light. Despite its turbulent past, the church has been beautifully preserved and is still in use today, with a free choir performance every Saturday.

The church's minimalism belies its beauty, with intricately carved wooden pews and delicate stone carvings that have been carefully preserved and restored. The stained-glass windows depict scenes from the Bible and are stunning in their detail and beauty. The sense of history that permeates the church is palpable, and visitors can almost feel the weight of the centuries that have passed, the countless prayers that have been said, and the many lives that have been touched by this place.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and refreshing experience, whether they're history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or simply looking for a place to reflect and recharge. The church is a testament to the power of faith, art, and architecture, and a reminder of the beauty and tranquility that can be found in the...

We are two Muslim women who wear the hijab who wanted to visit the Cathedral. We arrived slightly late to visit the cathedral (around 5:30 PM) and were met by a blonde woman with glasses. She told us it was already closed, and while disappointed, we understood and decided to leave. However, just a minute later, we saw her allow a couple to enter. Confused, we politely asked why they were permitted in when we weren’t. She responded that they only wanted a quick look. We explained that we also only wanted a quick look, but she still refused us entry and coldly told us we could see it from the outside.

It’s painful to think that our presence may have made someone uncomfortable, but we were simply there to appreciate a historic site, having traveled all the way from Nijmegen just for that reason. This interaction left us feeling humiliated and deeply saddened. What should have been a beautiful experience turned into an afternoon filled with exclusion.

We returned to Nijmegen shortly after, our spirits crushed. I can only hope that one day, we live in a world where people are treated equally, no matter what they look like or...