The high quality of Utrecht’s drinking water was famed for centuries, especially the water from the pump on Mariaplaats (right). When Utrecht grew rapidly after 1825, the groundwater became increasingly polluted by overflowing cesspits. From 1881, water pipes were therefore installed to bring drinking water from Soestduinen, some twenty kilometres away. The new Arts and Sciences Building, inaugurated in 1847, was emblematic of the city’s modern aspirations. On the left, fruit and vegetables are sold under the fragrant flowering lime trees.