Maria Cruz Díaz Antunes-Barradas
Utrecht Channels
The beginning of Utrecht dates back to Roman times, when Emperor Claudius ordered the construction of a defensive line along the Rhine River. One of these forts was built at a junction in the river and was named Trajectum, or Ultra Trajectum, and marked the northern limit of the Empire. Over time, Ultra Trajectum became a city. The name changed to Utrecht. Because of this, Utrecht is important historically. There is also a university tradition and well-preserved old town, with many shops, cafes and restaurants that are situated around the Sun and its tower, a cathedral ve lost a part of the nave due to a hurricane.
The old town of Utrecht contains a network of canals like Amsterdam, but surrounded by a single circular channel. The merchants had stores at water level in some places that extended under the street and with access directly to the pier. There are now cafes and restaurants which have terraces on the edge of the canal. These are nice places during good weather.
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