The Province of Utrecht has many beautiful estates, castles and monasteries located in or near beautiful nature reserves that are a must visit. Some of these historic buildings are fully furnished in the atmosphere of the past. Others have been converted into beautiful restaurants or hotels. The estates, castles and monastery were of royal, noble or ecclesiastical ownership. Even wealthy merchants had beautiful country houses and spectacular gardens laid out outside the city. Nowadays these stately buildings are open to the public and you can also enjoy all the beauty that estates, castles and monasteries offer.