Pandhof van de Dom

Description

The Pandhof van de Dom is the monastery garden of the Dom Church, situated between the church and Utrecht University's Academy Building. It is an enclosed city garden on one of Utrecht's busiest historic sites, with views of the Dom Tower and a surrounding cloister walk.

History

The oldest foundations of the Pandhof date from the late fourteenth century. The Pandhof connected the Dom Church with the Great Chapter House. In the Middle Ages it served, among other things, as a place for religious contemplation and as a burial place for pupils of the Dom and lay officials. In 1634 it became part of the walking ground of the Academy.

Nature & Design

The present monastery garden began in 1962 and was transformed into a medieval herb garden in 1975. After a recent renewal it contains perennials, herbs, ornamental grasses, fragrant plants and species with religious associations. A fountain with Hugo Wstinc stands at its centre.

Visitor Information

The garden is open to the public, with seasonal opening hours. Special university events or circumstances nearby may lead to changed hours.

Good to Know

The garden is also described as a Hortus conclusus: an enclosed garden.