Fish market

You are most likely near Theo van de Vathorst's 1976 sculpture "Market Woman", a gift from the now-bankrupt department store chain Vroom & Dreesmann. This artwork honours the market and is a reminder of the location's historical ties to commerce.

The Oudegracht, which you are probably walking along now, is said to have been constructed around the year 1000. At that time, the water was possibly part of the moat of Trecht castle. After its conquest by the Franks in 719, the Roman fort Traiectum developed into this castle. This area became an important administrative and ecclesiastical centre in the Northern Netherlands, led by the bishops of Utrecht. A community of merchants and craftsmen developed around the castle, which eventually grew into the flourishing trading settlement of Stathe.

As early as the thirteenth century, fish was traded at the foot of this castle, making the Vismarkt the oldest market in Utrecht. In the sixteenth century, two bridges on this market were merged into one, creating a square that offered more space for trade. Fish has since disappeared there; the last shop closed in 1970.

Nowadays, the Vismarkt is best known for its Utrecht hospitality industry. For a real Utrecht experience, visit Graaf Floris for a warm apple bun! This speciality is not to be missed when visiting the Domstad!