Historical attractions

LOFEN PALACE

The imperial palace, where Utrecht was formally granted city status, burnt down in 1253. To mark the 900th anniversary of the city’s founding, a new archaeological site lets visitors explore its ruins for the first time in decades. After the tour — right behind the Domplein — spend time ducking in and out of the nearby cafes and shops: some of the palace’s ancient pillars and walls are shared by these buildings. paleislofen.nl

CASTELLUM HOGE WOERD

A new UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lower German Limes were a system of fortresses and roads that ran through Utrecht for almost four centuries, marking the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Castellum Hoge Woerd is a reconstruction of one such fort and serves as a cultural centre with an archaeological museum, theatre and city farm. castellumhogewoerd.nl

MUSEUM CATHARIJNECONVENT

The history of Utrecht is intertwined with that of Christianity. Housed in a former convent, Museum Catharijneconvent traces this story through one of the country’s finest permanent collections of religious art and artefacts, as well as temporary exhibits exploring the role of religion in Dutch society. catharijneconvent.nl