The Griftpark, from past to present This 7-part photo series connects the history and the present of the Griftpark. The turbulent history contributes to the unique character of the park. These grounds were previously used for the municipal gas factory and the Vaalthaven. After more than hundred years of service, the factory was demolished in […]
Westraven Westraven’s roots lay across the Vaartse Rijn (1661). Already in 1844, this place became useful for various labours. Ravesteyn on the Jutfaseweg with the production of hand-painted Old Dutch tiles. In 1920 the company, now expanded with pottery and building ceramics, was moved to Helling 112. Hard-working professionals and artists ensured growth and prosperity […]
Tower “The Horse” Around 1600, Utrecht had an impressive outer city canal with thick defensive walls, towers and strongholds. The striking strongholds of Zonnenburg, Manenburg and Sterrenburg on the south side of the city have been preserved. In addition to the strongholds, defense towers were built in that period, which were named after animals, such […]
The Utrecht canals are an important habitat for bats. In recent years, these valuable animals have increasingly been given the attention and protection they deserve. Bats still too often lose their winter habitats during restorations because cellars are heated. On the other side, in the quay wall, pits and other hollow structures have been made […]
Close to the 19th century fortress of Vechten, the Roman Castellum (Fortress Fectio) was located here in the period around 0 – 275 A.D.. The Castellum was located next to the Old Rhine (Oude Rijn) and has served many purposes, such as a base during the Roman campaigns. The presence of Roman soldiers attracted traders […]
Vechten’s Stone is made out of limestone, 84 cm high and has simpel decorations of trees on the flanks. The back is heavily damaged. On the left side of the front end a part of the stone is missing, causing some of the letters of the Latin text to be missed. The original limestone altar […]
Latijn: Deae viradecdi cives Tungri et Nautae q vi sectionne consistunt v.s.m.l. Explanation: To the goddess Viradecdis, the citizens of Tongeren en the shippers who live on the Vecht have repaid their debts, readily and willingly. Votum Solverunt Libentus Merito This is the Votum Solverunt Libentus Merito that would be erected as an altar to […]
Fortress at Vechten Fortress at Vechten was built on part of the terrain where the Roman Castellum (Fortress Fectio) stood. This fortress is the namesake of the township “Vechten”. Vechten was already known to be a site where roman antiquities are found. The first digs have been executed in 1829. During the construction of Fortress […]
Water as a defense weapon The New Dutch Waterline was a defense line. Its water was the weapon of defense. If the enemy approached, strips of pasture between Muiden and the Biesbosch could be flooded. This made the country difficult for the enemy to pass. The line served from 1815 to about 1940. Nowadays the […]
