The Martinikerk (Martin's church) is the oldest church in Groningen. The church and its associated tower (the Martinitoren) are named after Saint Martin of Tours (316–397), the patron saint of the Bishopric of Utrecht to which Groningen belonged. The church was a cathedral for a short period during the first bishopric of Groningen (1559–1594).

The origins of the Martinikerk are a cruciform church built in the 13th century, which was extended in the 15th and 16th centuries. It contains several 16th century tombs and Wessel Gansfort's 18th century tomb. Much of the wall and roof paintwork has been preserved. Of particular note is a 16th-century depiction of the life of Jesus Christ.

The tower was built from 1469 till 1482, with later additions. Citizens of Groningen often refer to the tower as d'Olle Grieze (Old Grey One). The original 13th century tower was destroyed by lightning and a new tower was built in the 15th century, also destroyed by lightning.

References:

Comments

Your name


Since I can’t be there, maybe someone would be interested in taking a video of where the Organ is situated; then kindly uploading it to YouTube, for instance.


Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in Netherlands

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

dasypus (8 months ago)
Beautiful church in the city centre of Groningen! Much better and bigger on the inside than I expected, so definitely recommend for everyone to pay it a visit. A lot of beautifully preserved historical elements and especially the blue ceiling is striking. I first thought €2 (only by card btw) entrance was a lot, but after visiting it: it’s very much worth it! :)
R Lowery (11 months ago)
So pretty here and admission is very cheap (approx 2€). Totally worth the visit even to see the gorgeous tombstones thatake up the flooring.
parichita chakraborty (14 months ago)
It was an amazjng experience. The ambience and the music were both magical.
Traugott Roser (3 years ago)
It is an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful church, very spiritual and with architectural awe. There are large paintings by a young artist, Edgar Modderman. Three Stars, however, since opening hours are very restricted and not well communicated.
B L (3 years ago)
Beautiful architecture
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.