Buurkerk

[1] In 1577 a cannon was installed in the church tower, aimed at the Vredenburg castle where the Charles V's Spanish soldiers there were under siege by the Utrecht schutters.

In the 10th century, after the winding down of a tumultuous period of hostile Viking raids, trade in the Low Lands became more safe and thus more profitable.

Prominent citizens, politicians, and guild members would gather on the square to the west of the church for general business and matters of governance.

Eventually a small raadskapel (council chapel) was built as part of the church's structure for more formal meetings.

[2] The church is the burial place of various notable Utrechters such as the 17th-century painters Joachim Wtewael, Paulus Moreelse, Hendrick ter Brugghen, Dirck van Baburen, Jan Both and Herman Saftleven.