Restored Utrecht Dom Tower to be officially opened by Queen Máxima

The restored Dom Tower in Utrecht will be officially openedon Saturday evening. Queen Máxima and Mayor Sharon Dijksma will turn on the new lighting of the tower, officially ending the years-long project.

The renovation of the cathedral was completed three weeks ago when the last stone was placed in the base of the tower. 10,000 stones of the tower were examined and each was assessed to see if replacement was necessary. Many other parts were also repaired and renewed. The renovation is expected to cost almost 36 million euros. That is 1.5 million euros less than the municipality had budgeted.

The inauguration will take place with a light show from the balcony of the Academy Building of Utrecht University, which is located diagonally opposite the Dom Tower. There will also be music. The completion coincides with the annual St. Martin Parade, in which some 1,400 Utrecht residents participate.

The parade includes light sculptures, homemade lanterns, orchestras, choirs, dancers, and other artists. The parade starts around 6 p.m. at Wilhelmina Park and arrives shortly after the new lighting is switched on at Dom Square.