Martinikerk, Groningen, Netherlands

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:

Wikipedia

constance said 15 months ago

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.

User Reviews

Arne Janse van Rensburg (2 years ago)
Beautiful cathedral, has perhaps the finest baroque organ in the world!

Akshatha Vydula (2 years ago)
The movie up the tower is really good. Shows the history of the city. The downside is that you've to pay at the cafe backdoor to even go inside the church, let alone be the tower. Church should be open for people, without any entry payment.

Aline Eclair (2 years ago)
The church is not always open, so check before you go. Hudge place, really beautiful and i went on a day that they were playing songs and lighting candles, it was really nice!

Martin Herz (2 years ago)
An immense church with phenomenal acoustics in the center of the city. If you ever have the opportunity to experience a choral concert there, you will know what I'm talking about. Also, the organ is a beautiful match for the church. This building is one of the few that really has the power and potential to surprise, amaze, calm, and deeply move you... At least... if you're open to that sort of thing.

Kristina Thornton (3 years ago)
We went to a Sunday morning prayer service that was accompanied by a wonderful visiting choir. The service was in English and was lovely to experience in such a special place as Martinikerk. Highly recommended.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Nicola since 1972

Historic Site of the week

Royal Palace of Naples

Royal Palace of Naples was one of the four residences near Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1860): the others were the palaces of Caserta, Capodimonte overlooking Naples, and the third Portici, on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

During the Napoleonic occupation the palace was enriched by Joachim Murat and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, with Neoclassic decorations and furnishings. However, a fire in 1837 damaged many rooms, and required restoration from 1838 to 1858 under the direction of Gaetano Genovese. Further additions of a Party Wing and a Belvedere were made in this period. At the corner of the palace with San Carlo Theatre, a new facade was created that obscured the viceroyal palace of Pedro de Toledo.

In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

The library suffered from bombing during World War II and the subsequent military occupation of the building caused serious damage. Today, the palace and adjacent grounds house the famous Teatro San Carlo, the smaller Teatrino di Corte (recently restored), the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Martinikerk

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Rhodes, The Island of Knights

Great Spa Towns of Europe

Historic Site of the week

Royal Palace of Naples

Looks like you are a history fan!