utrecht

Utrecht is a city in the central Netherlands and the capital of the province of Utrecht. It lies at the heart of the country and is one of its largest urban areas, with a population of about 350,000 in the municipality. The city is a major transport hub, centered on Utrecht Centraal, which connects national rail services and international routes.

The historic center is medieval and compact, built around canals. The Dom Tower, 112.5 meters tall, dominates the skyline and the nearby Dom Church. The Oudegracht canal runs through the center with preserved wharf cellars and footbridges. The Rietveld Schröder House, a landmark of De Stijl architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Utrecht is a major student city. Utrecht University, founded in 1636, is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. The Centraal Museum and the Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum) are notable cultural institutions. The city hosts events such as Festival Oude Muziek, focused on early music.

The local economy centers on education, health care, and knowledge-intensive services. The Utrecht Science Park near the university houses research facilities, startups, and technology firms. As part of the Randstad, Utrecht benefits from strong transport links and a focus on sustainable mobility.

Sport is active, with FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie. The city’s cultural and educational assets make it a prominent center in the central Netherlands.