St. Geertruids, Pepergasthuis
Borner Solleder and his son Albert founded this guesthouse in 1405. It was named after Saint Geertruid, the patron saint of pilgrims and travellers.
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Initially, the guest house served as temporary accommodation for poor pilgrims travelling to see Groningen’s most famous relic – the arm of John…
Initially, the guesthouse served as a temporary shelter for poor pilgrims, who came to the Martini Church for Groningen's relic - the arm of John the Baptist. Later, the poor, elderly and mentally ill were also welcome here. The hospice was self-sufficient and had its own brewery and bakery, among other things. Around the first courtyard are the church, the refectory and the guardians' room. The second courtyard is enclosed by the (poor people's) houses with a bleaching field in the middle and linden trees on the north side, which provide protection from incident sunlight in summer. Until 1702, the hospice had a madhouse, in which the mentally ill were cared for. Every Sunday, this residence became a 'madhouse fair' for the Groningers, who could marvel at the madmen through the bars for a few pennies. You leave the guesthouse via the exit on the right at the back of the guesthouse, via the small staircase you will then emerge onto Gedempte Kattendiep.