On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, Groningen's most beautiful monuments open their doors for free. During Open Monumentendag, you can take a look inside that old building, that windmill or even that ancient cemetery in your neighbourhood. In the city and surrounding area, there are hundreds of places to discover: some have existed since the 13th century, others since the 1960s. We have listed a few for you.
Pelstergasthuis
Groningen | Saturday - The Pelstergasthuis is one of the oldest guesthouses in the Netherlands. The guest house came into existence in the 13th century. It used to house the poor, widows and the sick. Because it is located in a courtyard in the middle of the city centre, it is an oasis of peace in the bustle. On 13 September, you can see the old soup kitchen, the old dining room, the guardians' room, the museum and the hospice court. There will also be a film and exhibition about the Pelstergasthuis from 13:00.
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't Hoeske van Thais Joaptje
Rottum | Saturday & Sunday - It is perhaps Groningen's smallest house: 't Hoeske van Thais Joaptje. This museum is furnished as it looked around 1835. It consists of one room with a box bed and was built with stones from the old Rottummer men's monastery Juliana. The name comes from a story by writer Jan Boer, who wrote about it in the early 20th century. In front of the cottage is a bust of him. Inside, you will also see a display case with holy water containers, little reminders of the old days.
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Nieuwe Kerk
Groningen | Saturday - Did you know that the Nieuwe Kerk is the very first church in Groningen built specifically for Protestant worship? As the city grew towards the Hortus neighbourhood around 1594, this church took over from the Sint Walburgkerk, with a graveyard that used to house plague victims and is therefore slightly higher than the rest of the neighbourhood. During Open Monument Day, there will be music from piano, flute and organ, you can take a closer look at the organ, go up the tower for a great view and children can go on an adventure with a scavenger hunt.
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Tin, drum and antiquities museum
Niezijl | Saturday - Tineke and Hein Nauta used to have a supermarket in Niezijl. But even then they had a great love for old things. When the supermarket closed, they turned their collection of old tins and drums into a beautiful museum. You can browse around there on 13 September. Tineke and Hein know how to tell beautiful stories with all the items.
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County Hall
Groningen | Saturday - The oldest part of the Provincial House, including the States Chamber and the Deputies' Room, dates from the 15th century. Originally, this building was the St Martin's School. On 20 June 1601, the Provincial States of Groningen decided to convert the school into the Provincial House. Stones and materials from various monasteries in the area were used for the renovation. During Open Monumentendag, there will be guided tours, an exhibition and films about the rich history and architecture of the Provincial House.
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Maria Church
Uithuizermeeden | Saturday - What once began with a few inhabited mounds around 1200, grew into the village of Uithuizermeeden. At its centre towers St Mary's Church with its blue and white Meister tower of almost 50 metres high. The church itself dates from the 13th century, got its cross shape in the 18th century and feels like a hidden time capsule. Years of little maintenance have preserved much that is authentic: a richly decorated pulpit, a fine baptismal railing, unusual gentlemen's pews and a magnificent organ from the 18th century.
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Martinitoren
Groningen | Saturday - D'Olle Grieze is perhaps Groningen's most iconic monument. Old the tower certainly is; many volumes cite 1469 as the year the first stone was laid. On Saturday 13 September, visitors can report to the tower, where the tower keeper will let them in. There will be bell ringing demonstrations that day and visitors can ring the bell themselves under supervision.
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Borg Welgelegen
Sappemeer | Saturday - Borg Welgelegen is a borg dating from around 1650. In 1736, the house was rebuilt to its current form. It is one of the few remaining peat houses and of great importance because of its building history and special interior. During Open Monument Day, the national monument, which is normally closed, can be visited. Visitors can see the beautiful baroque garden, historic interior pieces and the room where the Odd Fellows meet. The garden and outbuildings are also protected monuments.
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Akerk
Groningen | Saturday & Sunday - Around 1200, a chapel was built on the banks of the small river Aa for boatmen. After centuries of rebuilding and expanding, we now know that chapel as de Akerk: imposing on the outside, full of stories inside. Look up at medieval vault paintings, walk past the richly carved pulpit and maybe hear the famous Arp Schnitger organ playing. During Open Monument Day, you can climb the vaults, listen to organ music and demonstrations, or take part in a creative workshop.
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Batterij Fiemel
Termunten | Saturday & Sunday - Batterij Fiemel in Termunten is a sturdy piece of Atlantikwall, the 5,000-kilometre-long German defence line along the coast. During Open Monument Day, you can visit two bunkers here: one is a roost for bats, the other tells the story of one of the last bits of the Netherlands to be liberated. The exhibition is always freely accessible, so be sure to drop by and dive into this piece of history.
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A selection of the monuments - A peek behind centuries-old doors
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Heritage Day - Luchtwachttoren 7O1
Heritage Day - Luchtwachttoren 7O1
Sunday 13 September , Warfhuizen
Varia
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Open Monument Days at Het Groninger Landschap
Open Monument Days at Het Groninger Landschap
Sunday 13 September , Groningen
Varia
