Where Science and Culture Meet

The City of Utrecht, with its inextricable combination of rich past and dynamic present, is a truly unique place. This 2000-year-old city teems with a wide range of interesting museums and cultural events with programs full of theater, dance, art and more. Stroll down the quaint streets and along the canals in the Utrecht Museum Quarter and sample the pleasant, intimate atmosphere for which Utrecht is famous. 70,000 students represent the character of this lively city of creative young people. Welcome to Utrecht!

REGIONAL CAPITAL

Utrecht is developing from a medium-sized provincial city into a regional capital of European importance. The city’s current expansion, more rapid than any in the city’s long history, combines physical expansion with innovation, major economic opportunities and a new urban dynamism. As a medieval treasure and a leading academic, technological and cultural center, Utrecht is now a pro-active player in the international community.

Utrecht: connected to the world

Most citizens of Utrecht have a strong interest in other countries and many have their own roots in another culture. Their international knowledge, experience, and contacts greatly enrich society in Utrecht. The city authority supports activities and exchanges that help foster respect for human dignity. Working in partnership with various organizations, the city is striving to strengthen human rights at the local level.

ABOUT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY

Established in 1636, Utrecht University has evolved into a leading modern research university with a growing international reputation. On the 2013 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, Utrecht University ranked first in the Netherlands, 13th in Europe and a shared 52th place in the world. With nearly 30,000 students and 8,500 employees divided over 7 faculties, Utrecht University spans the entire spectrum of academic research and education.

A RICH PAST

This city’s rich history began about twenty centuries ago. In 47 A.D. the Romans built a fortress as part of reinforcements along the Rhine where the Cathedral square (Domplein) is situated today. In the 7th century, when the English missionary Willibrord set himself up in that old fort, a town began to develop. Utrecht then started to grow into an important city with considerable ecclesiastical power. On church feast days, churches, monasteries, convents, and abbeys were full. Many traces of these buildings can be seen throughout the city.