Martinikerk

Martinikerk
Martinikerk
Coordinates: 53°13′09″N 6°34′06″E / 53.21917°N 6.56833°E / 53.21917; 6.56833
Location	Groningen (city), Groningen (province)
Country	The Netherlands
Website	www.martinikerk.nl
History
Dedication	Saint Martin of Tours
Architecture
Status	Church
Designated	1225
Architectural type	Cathedral
Style	Gothic
Specifications
Height	97 m (318 ft 3 in)
Dome height (inner)	25 m (82 ft 0 in)
Materials	Church: brick Tower: sandstone

Martinikerk (Martin's church) is the oldest church in Groningen, The Netherlands. The church and its associated tower (the Martinitoren) are named after Saint Martin of Tours (316–397), the patron saint of the Archbishopric of Utrecht to which Groningen belongs.

The church has been a cathedral for a short period during the first bishopric of Groningen (1559–1594).

The citizens of Groningen often refer to the tower as d'Olle Grieze (Old Grey One). The first tower was built in the 13th century (demolished by lightning) The second tower was built in the 15th century (demolished by lightning) The recent tower was built from 1469 till 1482.

The Martinikerk contains examples of architecture from various periods. Much of the splendid wall and roof paintwork has been preserved. Of particular note is a 16th century depiction of the life of Jesus Christ.

Its organ contains stops dating back to 1450, and was rebuilt and enlarged by Arp Schnitger among others. ^[1] The church and organ are filmed extensively in the documentary Martinikerk Rondeau.

References

1. ^ The Martinikerk Organ in Groningen

External links

• Official site (Dutch)
• Tourism information (Dutch)

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  The Martinikerk and its tower

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  Choir dome Martinikerk

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  Dome painting Martinikerk

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  Organ Martinikerk

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  Organ Martinikerk

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  Martinikerk
  cityatlas by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg 1575

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  Martinikerk
  1594

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  Martinikerk
  by Otto Eerelman 1920

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  Martinikerk
  1945

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  Martini tower by night