Church Garmerwolde

A 15-minute drive from Groningen's Grote Markt stands a church that has been firmly anchored in Groningen's clay since the 13th century: the church of Garmerwolde. Once an imposing cruciform church, part of it was demolished in the 19th century. Yet that past has not disappeared: in the churchyard, a shell path marks the contours of the vanished part of the church. So you can still clearly imagine how big the church must once have been. Inside, another surprise awaits you. The interior breathes history with colourful paintings from the 16th century, an impressive organ, an 18th-century pulpit and a gentlemen's bench from the 17th century. Today, the church fulfils a new role as cultural hotspot and main location of School Church: a place where learning, discovery and meeting are central. Did you know that School Church is the educational arm of Groninger Churches?

The stairs, however, are just the beginning. In the tower, you stap a colourful and interactive exhibition: 'Feast! In Oost and West'. The exhibition takes you through eight religious festivals from Christianity and Islam. No boring explanations, but an interactive journey in which you discover, play and experience for yourself. For instance, you walk across a chocolate floor surrounded by sweets depicting the Sugar Festival or 'Eid al-Fitr'. Along the way, you stap into a lift with surprising stops, walk through colourful installations and discover what celebrations around the world look like. What you celebrate says something about who you are and where you come from. And then that view: at the top of the tower you look out over the Groningen landscape. Be still for a moment before descending again and immersing yourself further in the exhibition.

After your exploration of the church and tower, what better place to settle down than inspiration café OSO. Here it feels homely and warm, not for nothing osso means 'house' in Surinamese. As soon as you step inside, you are welcomed by bright colours, large glass doors and a relaxed atmosphere. Fun fact: you overlook the church cemetery. Something a bit different. On weekends, you'll enjoy fresh coffee, homemade cakes and tasty lunch or brunch dishes here. Everything is prepared with passion and mostly local ingredients. While you sit back, children have all the space they need to play, run and explore: there is even a small playground behind the café.