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The Goudkantoor was built in 1635 it was then called Collectehuis. It was a taxoffice for city and surroundings. In 1814-1887 the building was used as a test bureau for gold and silver works. Since then the building had many uses: a naval museum, VVV-office and info desk for inhabitants of the city Groningen.
When the building was owned by the city they replaced the provincial shield for the city shield.
Today the building is in use as a restaurant.
The striking colors (red, ocre, gold and blue) are the original colors. Ofcourse the paint is not original.
The latin on the front: Date Caesari quae Caesaris means: Give the emperor what is from the emperor. These words date back from the time it was a tax office and taxes were for the emperor. Leave a Comment
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When arriving in groningen by train you immediately see one of the nicest building of the city: the trainstaion.
It was built in 1896 and designed by L. Gosschalk. Its Jugendstil- and renaissance styles are not be missed. In the 60s the building was renovated and rebuilt to the standards of that time. But they did not value the beautifull styles and much of it could not be seen for years. Years later the building was restored to its original splendour. The mainhall, 20 x 20 m and 14 m high, has a lot of woodcarvings and monumental tiles.
On a regular workingday 30.000 people use the trainstation. Leave a Comment Address: Stationsplein 4
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The natural history museum sure is worth a visit, especially kids do like it.
The building was designed by Cornelis Hendrik Peters (1847-1932) and it first was home for the Groninger Museum of City and Province. In 1995 a new Groningen museum, designed by Mendini, arose in the canal in front of the station, and the Natural Museum of History moved into this building.
Open on: Thuesday - Friday: 10.00 - 17.00
Saturday and Sunday: 13.00 - 17.00
Closed on Monday Leave a Comment Address: Praediniussingel 59, 9711 AGPhone: 050-3676170
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It is said that the river Aa formed a small harbour at the side of the Vismarkt around 1200. From that time there was a small church for fishermen on this place. In 1226 it was consecrated as: Kerk van Onze Lieve Vrouwe ter A. In 1246 it was dedicated to the Holy Mary and St Nicolas, patron saint of sailors. In the 15th century it was rebuilt in gotic style. It started with a new choir in 1425 and 40 years later the rest of the church was made the same height. Around1520 the entire interiour was renewed with beautifull frescos. In 1594 Groningen was rteformed and the roman catholic statues were removed from the church. In the night of 1 to 2 may 1671 lightning struck the tower and it burned down. The tower was rebuilt but not very good, it collapsed in 1710. In 1718 the new tower was ready it is a design of Allert Meijer. From 1975 to 1987 major restorations took place.
Today the church is called der Aa kerk, or simply a-kerk.
The church can be visited during expositions. or with an guided tour by appointment, call the number for info and prices. Leave a Comment
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The design of the synagogue is from architect Tjeerd Kuipers from Amsterdam and IJ. van der Veen from Groningen. The building represent different styles with the spanish-moorish style being on the upperhand.
The building was put in use 23 maart 1906. In 1952 it was sold and used as a drycleaner. The people of Groningen protested and in the 70s the building was restored and since 29 november 1981 it can be used as a synagoge again. And a part of the building still is today.
Open during expositions. Info at the v v v. Leave a Comment Address: Folkingestraat 60Phone: 050-3011073
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Cityhall dates from 1810 dand is dominating the Grote Markt.
At the end of the 18th century cityhall was a collection of old buildings. They were not practical and too old. In 1774 a competition was announced to design a new cityhall.
The competition rules told where the building was going to be, it had to be a rectangle building of about 35 by 32 meter, built around a courtyard and 3 story high. The facade had to have a row of columns and stairs. Also it had to be in natural stone.
In 1775 35 entries were judged. Jacob
Otten Husly(1738-1796) won the contest. But was told his design would be modified. Some other designs were used for this modification. The original design was a bit more playfull and not so static. In 1777 the new design of Otten Husly was approved. Cityhall of Groningen was completed in 1810, 36 years after the competition was announced. Leave a Comment Address: Grote Markt 1
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This house was originally used by de Broeders des Gemenenlevens as a sort of monastery. In 1568 the first bishop of Groningen was based here. In 1594 prince Maurits and count Willem Lodewijk made it their home after Groningen took the side of the reformation. And until the french took over the Prinsenhof was used as the palace of the Stadtholder. From 1808 to 1916 it was a militairy hospital. And now it is in use by Radio and TV Noord, the broadcasters of north netherlands, as their office. Leave a Comment Address: Martinikerkhof 23
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When the main building of the university burned down in 1906 they only needed a short time(1907-1909) to built a new Academie gebouw. Because the university became larger and there were seperate instutes built the main building had a more representive function.
The design of J.A.W. Vrijman gives it a more representive look then the older much more static building. There are 5 figures in sandstone: Minerva, Scientia, Historic, Prudentia and Mathematica. They are depicting different studies: art, science, history, law, mathematics. Leave a Comment
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If you want to see Groningen from above you have to climb all the steps of the Martinitoren. For 2,50 euro you can buy a ticket at the vvv office opposite the tower.
Or just go to this website:
http://www.iprecom.nl/groningen/martinitoren/
In 1482 the building was finished and the tower stood 127 meter high. When the walonian troops backed off in 1577 it was celebrated with fireworks on the tower. It burned down to 69 meter. In 1627 it was restored to 96,80 meter.
It is called d'Olle Grieze, the old gray one, by the locals.
Opening hours:
1 april - 1 november :11.00 - 17.00
1 november - 1 april :12.00 - 16.00
When climbing the Martinitower you get a great booklet to explain everything. And if you speak dutch there are phonenumbers you can call on your mobilephone to get dutch explanation of the point you are standing. Leave a Comment
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Several years ago when first was public talk about a new museum many people from the city opposed to the building on this particularly spot ... the broadest point of the canal where once boats could either turn or harbour.
I still do not like the building on this place but since they started to break down all that is old around the station and replace it with stupid blocks they call modern architecture I guess it fits in ok...too bad the old buidlings behind the museum and the central train station seem to be out of place somehow!!
Sigh....wish it were as it once were...so much more 'schmoel' ... erm this area gave face to the city...now it s just an out of place playground for politicians to try out new architecture and spent public money...
Let s just hope those politicians never get hold of the central market square "Grote Markt"!!! Can t imagine our local pride the Martini tower or 'our grey one' in the middle of modern architecture! Leave a Comment
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- Hotel Auberge Corps de Garde
Oude Boteringestraat 74, Groningen - Nh Hotel De Ville
Oude Boteringestraat 43, Groningen - Bastion Hotel Groningen
Bornholmstraat 99, Groningen - Mercure Hotel Haren-Groningen
Emmalaan 33 Haren, Groningen - Hampshire Hotel - Plaza Groningen
Laan Corpus den Hoorn 300, Groningen - Meerwold
Laan Corpus den Hoorn 300, Groningen - Golden Tulip Paterswolde Groni
Groningerweg 19, Groningen - Best Western Cityhotel
Gedempte Kattendiep 25 (formerly Best Western Cityhotel), Groningen - Golden Tulip - Schylge
37 Burg Van Heusdenweg, Groningen - Hotel De Doelen
Grote Markt 36, Groningen - Nh Groningen
Hanzeplein 132, Groningen - Nh Hotel De Ville
Oude Boteringestraat 43, Groningen, 9712 GD, NL, Groningen - Mercure Groningen Martinipl 3m
Expositielaan 7, Groningen - Eden City Hotel Groningen
Gedempte Kattendiep 25 (formerly Best Western Cityhotel), Groningen - Hotel Schimmelpenninck Huys
Oosterstraat 53, Groningen
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on September 10, 2003
on August 24, 2003
