Courtyards

Quiet courtyards in the bustling city centre

The Groningen courtyards used to offer free shelter to the poor, widows and sick. Nowadays, all kinds of private individuals live in these oases of calm in the city centre. At a handful you can drop in for a moment of silence. Some of the trees in the flower-filled gardens are so old that they have lived with the residents of yesteryear.

For a moment in silence

The hofje, a communal courtyard surrounded by several small houses, is not typically Groningen. What is special is that the inner city still has so many of them. Pay attention: sometimes you walk past them three times before you notice the entrance gate. The enclosure ensures that it is much quieter in courtyards than outside. Just like in the walled Prinsentuin, another quiet spot in the city centre. Visit Groningen's oldest hospital, the Pelstergasthuis, for instance. In the tower of the church hangs the city's oldest bell.

Poor, orphans and madmen

That nothing goes for nothing, the mentally ill in St Geertruiden's Hospital noticed on Sundays. That's when Stadjers went to the so-called 'madhouse fair': for a few pennies, they were allowed to watch the lunatics through the bars. Both courtyards of this hospice near the Martini Church can be visited. Got the hang of it? At the Groningen Store you will find a city walk, which takes you past and through almost all of Groningen's courtyards.

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