View of the basement of the buildings Domplein 16 and Vismarkt 18 (Cabaret La Gaité) with the remains of the former medieval palace Lofen: the two columns, from the east.

Het Utrechts Archief (no. 80522). Rights: Politie Utrecht (photographer C.M. Garnier)

Palace Lofen

Domplein 14

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There used to be a palace in Utrecht — There are many archaeological treasures hidden under Dom Square. One of those treasures consists of the remains of a palace. Under the pubs in the corner of the square lies an entire underground system, the pillars and walls of Lofen Palace. Some parts can be seen and touched. Palace Lofen was a palace that stood here 1,000 years ago and is also the place where Utrecht's city rights were signed in 1122, more than 900 years ago!