Martinikerk
Encyclopedia
Martinikerk 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. The church and organ are filmed extensively in the documentary Martinikerk Rondeau.
Martinitoren
The Martinitoren is the highest church tower in the city of Groningen, The Netherlands.The tower is located at the north-eastern corner of the Grote Markt , is part of the Martinikerk . The tower contains a brick spiral staircase consisting of 260 steps, and the carillon within the tower contains...
) 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
Cathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
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
Arp Schnitger
Arp Schnitger was a highly influential German organ builder. He was primarily active in Northern Europe, especially the Netherlands and Germany, where a number of his instruments survive to the present day; his organs can also be found as far away as Portugal and Brazil.Notable examples still in...
among others. The church and organ are filmed extensively in the documentary Martinikerk Rondeau.