Dom Church

The Dom Church, or Domkerk, in Utrecht is what remains of the great medieval cathedral of Saint Martin, and its history is marked by a dramatic event. Until the seventeenth century the cathedral was the largest church in the Netherlands, a huge Gothic building with a long nave, but in August 1674 a severe storm, often described as a tornado, brought down the nave in a few minutes. The ruined section was never rebuilt, and the gap where it stood became the open square now called the Domplein.

What survives is the choir and transepts at the east end and the great tower, which stands separately across the square. The tower, known as the Dom Tower, rises to about a hundred and twelve metres and is the tallest church tower in the country, and the space between it and the church shows how large the original building was. The contrast between the surviving parts and the missing nave gives the site a powerful atmosphere, and the cleared space is often used for events and markets. A paving pattern marks the outline of the lost nave.

Inside the church, the Gothic architecture can be admired at its best in the soaring vaults, slender columns and tall windows. The building has served the Protestant community since the Reformation, when the interior was stripped of its altars and images, and it now has a calm, uncluttered look. Tombs and memorials remain, among them monuments of bishops and of naval heroes, and the stained glass includes both old and modern windows. Concerts, especially organ recitals, are held here, and the acoustics are excellent.

The cloister next to the church, the Kloostergang, is a peaceful space with a garden, the Pandhof, which is planted with medicinal herbs and is a quiet retreat from the busy city. Close by is the Academiegebouw of Utrecht University, and the area is the historic core of the old ecclesiastical city. The Janskerk, the Museum Catharijneconvent and the canal quarter are within walking distance.

The church suits visitors interested in medieval architecture, church history and quiet reflection. It is open most days and entry is usually free, though donations are welcome and some areas may be closed during services. Combine it with a climb of the Dom Tower, which requires a guided tour and a good number of steps, for a view across the city.