Oudegracht With Wharves, Utrecht, The Netherlands Editorial Image

The Dutch Utrecht canals with their wharves and wharf cellars are unique in the world. The Oudegracht developed in the 12th century by digging out arts of an Oude Rijnloop. As a result of the connection with the canalized Vecht (north) and Vaartsche Rijn (south), the Oudegracht received the function of an elongated harbor along which large city castles were erected. In the 13th century, wharves were built as a second street on water level, the deep cellars of which served as a storage place under the houses.