Page 288 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

286  NOR THERN AND EASTERN NE THERLANDS

Exploring Groningen

The city of Groningen has a number of interesting
buildings and museums, among them the Noordelijk
Scheepvaartmuseum (northern maritime museum)
which illustrates the history of navigation. The Groninger
Museum (see pp288–9) possesses an art collection of
international stature. A visit to one of the gardens of
Groningen will provide peace in the middle of the The distinctive Gasunie building, known locally as
bustling university city. the “monkey cliff”

R Martinikerk and octaves and 49 bells. The designed by the Alberts
Martinitoren Martinikerk (St Martin’s Church), and Van Huur architects on
Martinikerkhof 3. Tel 050-3111277. dating from the 13th century, the principles of “organic”
Open Easter–11 Nov: noon–5pm still retains traces of the original architecture, the inspiration of
Sat; Jun–Aug & two Sats in Sep: building: both the northern and which lies with natural forms.
noon–5pm Tue–Sat. 8 1:30pm. southern façades of the transept The “organic” nature of the
Martinitoren Grote Markt. Tel 050- and the ornamental brickwork building can be seen at every
3135713. Open Apr–Oct: 11am– 5pm of the windows and window turn, even in the specially
Mon–Sat; Nov–Mar: noon–4pm niches of the northern side are designed furniture. The locals’
Mon–Sat; Jul & Aug: 11am–4pm Sun. recognizably 13th century. nickname for the building is the
Closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec. &
During the 15th century, when “apenrots” (monkey cliff).
The Grote Markt is the old city the city was at the height of its
centre. Many of the buildings development, the church was Y St Geertruidshofje
standing on the square were extended in Gothic style. The Peperstraat 22. Tel 050-3124082.
badly damaged by air raids choir, which features sumptuous Groningen has a number of
near the end of World War II. murals from 1530 illustrating pretty hofjes, or courtyards
When it was rebuilt, the market the life of Christ, had been surrounded by almshouses, often
was enlarged on the northern completed before 1425. The belonging to inns. They were
and eastern sides, and new central part of the church once charitable institutions
buildings of a modern became a hall-type church. whose aim was to help the poor.
character were added. East of the Grote Markt is the The finest of these is the complex
The famous Martinitoren Poelestraat, which on fine days of the 13th-century Heilige
(St Martin tower) was also comes to life with outdoor cafés Geestgasthuis, or Pelstergasthuis
damaged but still standing, and restaurants. (in the Pelsterstraat), and St
and it was possible to rebuild Geertruidshofje (see p285),
it. The carillon of d’Olle Grieze P Gebouw van de Gasunie whose Pepergasthuis inn was
(“The Old Grey”), whose bells Concourslaan 17. Tel 050-5219111. established in 1405. It later
were cast by the Hemony Closed to the public. became a senior citizens’ home.
brothers, has since been The main office of the Dutch The pump in the courtyard
enlarged and now has four Gasunie (gas board) was dates from 1829.

The Poelestraat: a favourite haunt for the students of Groningen
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p399 and pp412–13

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
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Date 25th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm