Utrecht’s Timeless Fair: 1917 in Lush Color!

This captivating colorized footage unveils the historic city of Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1917—over a century ago—offering a vibrant glimpse into its pre-war charm and the annual Jaarbeurs fair, still held today. Filmed as a silent documentary in vivid hues, the film captures Utrecht’s central location in its namesake province, showcasing its medieval canals reminiscent of Amsterdam and Delft, bustling streets, and the iconic Dom Church (St. Martin’s Cathedral), built in 1254 with its 112-meter steeple—the tallest in the Netherlands—separated from the nave by a storm in 1674. With a population of about 110,000 in 1917, the footage highlights the Jaarbeurs fair’s festive atmosphere, horse-drawn carts, locals in traditional attire, and the city’s picturesque Oudegracht canal, reflecting its status as an ancient Roman settlement transformed into a cultural hub. A dazzling window into Utrecht’s golden age during World War I, this restored archive grips history buffs, Dutch heritage enthusiasts, and fair lovers, offering a vivid glimpse of the city frozen in time.