About Groningen

Groningen is an attractive destination! It has been nominated 'Best city centre' and 'Safest City in the Netherlands'. In 2007 a European Commission Survey ranked Groningen as number one in terms of most attractive city in which to live! Groningen is unique and different: a colourful and compact city where everything is within easy walking/cycling distance. The city has an intimate, friendly and vibrant atmosphere with cinemas, restaurants, theatres, pubs, museums and pedestrian shopping streets. At any time, day or night, there is always something to do, see or hear in Groningen.

Groningen is the capital city of the provence of Groningen in the Netherlands. With a population of 185,000, it is by far the largest city in the north of the Netherlands. Groningen is a university city, inhabited on average by about 50,000 students. Read more about the history of Groningen, the city of Groningen and the province Groningen.

History of Groningen

The oldest document referring to Groningen's existence dates from 1040. However, the city already existed long before then: the oldest archaeological traces found are believed to stem from the years 3950 BC–3720 BC, although the first major settlement in Groningen has been traced back to the 3rd century AD. The original name, 'villa Cruoninga', was given in 1040 to a neighbourhood where the present city arose. In the thirteenth century Groningen grew into a strong trading city, which had an administration with legal rules and a system of jurisdiction which it laid down itself. The city was protected by a wall. In 1594, during the eighty years' war between Catholic Spain and the Calvinist rebels in the Netherlands, Groningen city and the Ommelanden were forced to join the Republic of the United Netherlands as a seventh province. This gave rise to the Dutch state as we know it today.

Ubbo Emmius, founder of the University of Groningen

Ubbo Emmius was born in 1547 (Greetsiel, Germany). He studied theology in Rostock. In 1594 he was appointed rector of the St Maarten's school in Groningen, the most important Latin School in town. Emmius played an important part in the process that led to the founding of the academy and of the library. In 1614 he was appointed professor of History and Greek, and also became the first Rector Magnificus. His gravestone can be seen in the cellar of the Academy Building, and a portrait in the Senate Room. 

The city Groningen

Groningen is rich in history, open and hospitable, right on top of everything. It will grab you almost immediately. Groningen has been awarded the title Best city centre in the Netherlands. A good reason to find out whether this title is merited! See the traces of the rich past in addtion to new high-profile buildings.

Goudkantoor

Originally a provincial tax office, this building was built in 1635. With its lavishly decorated façades, it was the last Renaissance style building to be constructed in Groningen. It was given the name of Goudkantoor in the 19th century when the “bureau of security for gold and silver” was located here, and it is now a café/restaurant.

Groninger Museum

The Groningen Museum is located opposite the main central station and is the most high-profile museum in the Netherlands. This is due not only to its striking design by Italian architect Mendini, but also because of varying exhibitions, including works by Russian painter Repin, American photographer Andres Serrano, and Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf. The permanent collection consists of a large assembly of porcelain and works by the Groningen artists’ collective De Ploeg. > Read more

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The Province Groningen

Groningen is a relatively undiscovered and unspoiled part of the Netherlands. It has kept most of its authenticity. It is full of little pearls - medieval churches, yeoman's mansions and historic old knolls that protected people against the water.

Wadden Sea

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