Information of Groningen
History
The city was founded on the northernmost point of the "Hondsrug" area. The most ancient document referring to Groningen's existence dates from the year 1040. However, the city already existed long before then, for the oldest archaeological traces found are believed to stem from the years 3950-3720 BC, although the first major settlement in Groningen has been traced back to the third century AD.
In the 13th century, when Groningen was an important trade center, its inhabitants built a city wall so as to declare its authority. The city had a strong influence on its surrounding lands and made its dialect a common tongue. The most influential period of the city was the end of the 15th century, when the nearby province of Friesland was mainly under its regulation. During these years, the Martini Tower was built, which loomed over the city at 127 meters tall. It was the highest building in Europe at that time. But an end came to the city's independence when it chose to join forces with the Spanish during the war in 1594. Later it switched sides, joining the Republic of the United Netherlands.
In 1614, the University of Groningen (also see University of Groningen) was founded, initially only for religious education. In the same period the city expanded rapidly and a new city wall was built. That same city wall would later, in 1672, be fiercely attacked by the bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen, but the wall resisted and Groningen kept its freedom. To this day, this event is celebrated on 28 August, when the city bustles with music and fireworks.
The city did not escape the devastation of World War II. In particular, the main square, Grote Markt, was largely destroyed in April 1945, at the end of the war. However, the Martini Tower and its church, the 'Goudkantoor' (Gold office), and the City Hall were not damaged.
Art, culture and nightlife
Although Groningen is not a large city, it does have an important role as the main urban center of this part of the country, particularly in the fields of music and other arts, education, and business. The large number of students living in Groningen also contributes to a diverse cultural scene for a city of its size.
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen (in Dutch: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) has a rich academic tradition which dates back to 1614, after the University of Leiden it is the oldest university located in The Netherlands. The university educated the first female student and the first astronaut in the history of the country, the first president of the European Bank and a Nobelprizewinner. They share their academic roots with around 200.000 people, who were either students, teachers or researchers at the university.
Museums
The most important and most famous museum in Groningen is the Groninger Museum. With the construction of its current building, designed by Alessandro Mendini, the museum has been transformed into one of the most modern and innovative of its kind in the Netherlands. In addition, the city also has a science museum, a comics museum and a tobacco museum.
Theatre and music
Groningen has its own City Theatre (Stadsschouwburg), located on the Turfsingel, a big theatre and concert venue called "Martini Plaza" and another major cultural venue on the Trompsingel, called the "Oosterpoort." Then there is "Vera", located on the Oosterstraat, "Grand Theatre" on the Grote Markt and "Simplon" on the Boterdiep. Several cafes feature live music, a few of which specialize in jazz music, including "Jazzcafe De Spieghel" on the Peperstraat. The jazz music students from the Prins Claus Conservatorium have been known to hold regular jam sessions in cafes such as 'Peter Pan' or the Voor Het Voormalige Klein Poortje.
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