Domtoren

Domtoren, or the Dom Tower, is the freestanding bell tower of the Dom Church in Utrecht, Netherlands. At 112.5 meters, it is the tallest church tower in the country and serves as a defining landmark of the city. The tower sits on the Domplein beside the Dom Church, the former St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Construction of the tower began in 1321 and was largely completed by 1382. It functioned as the principal bell tower and visible symbol of the medieval cathedral complex. In 1674, a violent storm caused the upper part of the spire to collapse, leaving the brick tower standing without its spire. Since then, the Dom Tower has remained intact as a vertical bell and viewing structure.

Today, the Domtoren houses a carillon and is a major tourist attraction. Visitors can climb a long staircase to a viewing platform near the top, which affords expansive views over Utrecht and the surrounding region. The tower is maintained as a historical monument and continues to be used for bell ringing and public tours, alongside occasional cultural events.