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.
Take a closer look
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 guest house served as temporary accommodation for poor pilgrims who came to the Martini Church to see Groningen’s most famous relic – the arm of John the Baptist. Later, the poor, the elderly and the mentally ill were also able to find refuge here. The guesthouse was self-sufficient and included, amongst other things, its own brewery and bakery. Surrounding the first courtyard are the church, the dining hall and the wardens’ room. The second courtyard is enclosed by the (poor) houses, with a bleaching field in the centre and espalier lime trees on the north side, which provide shelter from the sun’s rays in summer. Until 1702, the almshouse had a madhouse, where the mentally ill were cared for. Every Sunday, this wing was turned into a ‘madhouse fair’ for the people of Groningen, who, for a few pennies, were allowed to gawp at the madmen through the bars. You leave the almshouse via the exit at the back right-hand side; a small flight of steps then leads you down to the Gedempte Kattendiep.