Domplein

The lively Domplein square is the heart of Utrecht. Here, at the foot of the imposing Dom tower, lies the origin of Utrecht. It is where the Romans laid the foundations for Utrecht 2000 years ago with the fort Castellum Traiectum. But also where the Tour de France peloton cycled under the Dom Tower in 2015. Learn more about this special place in Utrecht.

History

On Domplein, immerse yourself in Utrecht's history. The four historical locations on and under Domplein tell you the story of Domplein and the history of Utrecht. Like DOMunder, an underground exploration full of archaeological treasures. And don't miss the gothic Dom Church, where the iconoclasm is still tangible. Rather have your head in the clouds? Then climb the 465 steps of the iconic Dom Tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city and region. Or wander through the remains of the imperial Lofen Palace and discover how Utrecht became a city in 1122.

Dom tower
The symbol of Utrecht is of course the more than 600-year-old Dom Tower: the tallest tower in Utrecht.

A great opportunity to get to know the city of Utrecht in a completely different way is by climbing the Dom Tower. An experienced guide will take you up the 465 steps to the top of the highest church tower in the Netherlands, telling you the best stories about this extraordinary structure. Halfway up, you come face to face with the monumental bells that have a total weight of no less than 32,000 kilos. One floor up is the magnificent seventeenth-century Hemony carillon, and finally, from the tower spires at 70 and 95 metres you have a spectacular view of both the city and the province of Utrecht.

Learn more about visiting Domtoren.

DOMunder
DOMunder is the historical attraction in Utrecht for young and old. Descend under the Domplein and go on an underground exploration of Utrecht's 2000-year-old history.

Discover Utrecht's Roman past, as well as the glorious Middle Ages. Grab the smart torch, listen to the exciting stories and admire the archaeological treasures. Experience the devastating storm of 1674 in which the nave of the Dom Church collapsed and find out how today's Domplein was created.

Book your tickets for DOMunder in advance

Lofen Palace

Wander through the remains of the imperial Lofen Palace and discover how Utrecht became a city in 1122. On 2 June 1122, Emperor Hendrik V granted Utrechters city rights in his palace, popularly called 'Lofen'. A fire destroys Lofen Palace in 1253, but the remains can still be found in the cellars under the buildings between Domplein and Vismarkt. For centuries, the traces of Lofen Palace have been hidden. On 2 June 2022, on Utrecht's 900th anniversary, Lofen Palace will be open to all.

Book your tickets for Paleis Lofen in advance

Cathedral
The monumental Dom Church is the shining centrepiece of the Dom Square. Once this extraordinary Gothic church was a lot bigger, and was connected to the Dom Tower by a bridge. But a ferocious tornado caused the nave to collapse, and history has also left deep marks: During the 1580 iconoclasm, sculptures were destroyed and all Roman Catholic elements removed.

Still, the Dom Church remains an impressive structure. The church contains a number of richly decorated tombs and is full of special details.

The Dom Church has never lost its function as a church and can be visited daily for a guided tour, or a moment of silence and reflection.

More information about visiting Domkerk

Curious about the four locations? Discover the locations in one tour with the Domplein Highlights Tour. Check here for more information.

Catering & shopping

On Domplein you will also find lots of cosy restaurants, pubs and the city's central information point. VVV Utrecht is the right place for tickets, tours and typical Utrecht souvenirs.