Courtyards
A moment of 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.
