Explore 2,000 years of history in, around and beneath Domplein, the birthplace of Utrecht and the city&rsquo;s beating heart. Step inside Dom Church, embark on an underground expedition at DOMunder, wander through the remnants of Lofen Palace or climb the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

Dom Tower

DOMunder

Dom Church

Lofen Palace

Facts about Domplein

Five things you might not know about Domplein

Events & activities

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 Are you visiting Domplein as a group?

The city of Utrecht was founded on the site where Domplein now stands. At the start of the Common Era, the Romans built the fort of Traiectum here, establishing a permanent settlement. Later, in the late 7th century, the missionary Willibrord started the Christianisation of the Low Countries from this very spot, followed by a succession of cathedrals built by the bishops of Utrecht. In 1122, the inhabitants of the trading settlement gathered at Lofen Palace to claim city rights from the emperor and the bishop&mdash;and a self-governing city was born.
Utrecht went on to become the most important urban centre in medieval Netherlands. In 1579, the foundations of the modern Dutch state were laid on the site of what is now Dom Square with the signing of the Union of Utrecht. The square owes its present form to two defining moments: the construction of the Dom Tower&mdash;the tallest church tower in the Netherlands&mdash;and the catastrophic storm of 1674, which destroyed part of the cathedral. It left an open space where none was intended, creating the square we see today.
These days, Dom Square serves as Utrecht&rsquo;s vibrant hub, where diverse communities and worlds converge. No other place in the Netherlands brings together 2,000 years of history within such a remarkably small area. Come and discover the city&rsquo;s beating heart!

A brief history of Utrecht

Domplein Highlights Tour

Experience the fascinating history of Domplein in a single tour. Discover the hidden stories of Dom Church, go underground to learn about the city’s archaeological treasures at DOMunder, explore the remains of medieval Lofen Palace and climb the fi

Winkel van Utrecht/VVV

Winkel van Utrecht VVV Utrecht Tourist information store local products lokale producten Tou­ris­tenin­for­ma­ti­ons­zen­trum Utrecht store

Looking for more information about Domplein or a souvenir to take home? The Utrecht Shop is the city’s official visitor information point and offers plenty of Domplein-inspired items.

Tourist Information Centre/Utrecht Shop

Pandhof

The Dom Church’s Pandhof Garden dates back to 1390–1440 and was carefully restored in the late 19th century. This former monastery garden retains its medieval character and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. 

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