Oase in de stad (oasis in the city) garden outside former Groninger Museum, now Minerva Institute (part of Hanze University of Applied Sciences).
Now and then even retired people need a day off from routine. My friend whose dog I am caring for and my friend's neighbour arranged for me to have a day of respite from the schedule of feeding, walking and giving medication to the dog. Where to go and what to see? On my friend’s recommendation I chose Groningen, more than two hours away by train, wondering if it would be worthwhile spending as much time travelling as at the destination.
Groningen's 1896 central rail station was restored in 2000.
It was a cool morning when I set off, first by local city bus then train for the city of Groningen in the north of The Netherlands. Most of the way was foggy and I felt sluggish and a bit worried I would fall asleep and miss the stop where I needed to change trains. I read, with occasional glances out the window at the fields and towns. In some of the fields I saw large white birds, likely herons.
On the way to the Grote Markt I passed the 1906 synagogue.
Outside the Groningen station signs pointed to the Grote Markt (Large market) just minutes away, where I had lunch (yes, soup) and found the tourist information centre. Armed with a brochure I set off on a self-guided tour of the city which contains many historic buildings.
Cyclists pass a bakery.
Minerva Institute with canal boat and algae bloom.
In the 14th century, Groningen joined the Hanseatic League, a collaboration of merchants from Germany, Scandinavia, England, Poland, the Baltic States, Russia and the Netherlands. Today Hanseatic House in Groningen sells products from various Hanseatic towns. The city still has many brick warehouses and merchants’ homes, now mostly offices or apartments.
Medieval Gothic merchant house (with shutters) is now home to a museum.
Several hospices established in the middle ages continue to provide housing, with the courtyards open to visitors. At the University of Groningen, founded in 1614, I happened on a welcome event for new students .
Gate to St Geertruids Gasthuis, a hospice founded in 1405 for pilgrims, the poor, and the sick.
Main building of University of Groningen founded in 1614.
A tea break in the Prinsenhoftenuin Renaissance garden fortified me sufficiently to finish the tour.
Gate of Renaissance garden.
Sign for apothecary or pharmacist.
15th century Gothic Martini church & tower.
The Goudkantoor or Gold Office from 1635 was once a taxation office.
More recent history is acknowledged with two plaques commemorating the role of Canadian soldiers in liberating the city at the end of WWII.
Two plaques commemorate the role of Canadian soldiers in the 1945 liberation of the city.
Five hours after arrival I was back on the train, exhausted but pleased with my day of exploring new sights. There was no time to see the inside of any of the museums, galleries or houses of worship but I got a good overview of the city. A change from any routine can be refreshing.