Martinitoren

The Martinitoren (Martini Tower) is the highest church tower in the city of Groningen, The Netherlands. The tower, located at the north-western corner of the Grote Markt (Main Square), is part of the Martinikerk (Martini Church). The citizens of Groningen call their tower d'Olle Grieze, meaning the old grey one in the local dialect. It is considered one of the main tourist attractions of Groningen.

The front of the tower shows three pictures above the entrance: the blind man Bernlef, Saint Martinus and Rudolf Agricola. All three are men who are linked to the history of Groningen. According to reports the tower has a foundation only three meters deep.

History

Twice before a tower has stood on the site of the current Martinitoren. The first was built in the 13th century; this was approximately 30 meters high and built in the Romanesque style. This tower was destroyed by a lightning bolt. In the 15th century a second tower was built, approximately 45 meters high, but it also was devastated by a lightning storm. The third and current tower was built between 1469 and 1482 and from blocks of Bentheimer sandstone. This tower was initially 127 meters high, at the time the highest tower in Europe.

The lighting of celebratory fires on the third trans, after the departure of Spanish and Walloon troops in 1577, caused the tower to partially collapse. However, the remaining portion kept a height of 69 meters. In the 17th century the tower was repaired up to the current 97 meter height. Later the tower was damaged several times by natural violence and several wars. In the bells, a ball breach can still be seen, caused during the liberation of Groningen by Canadian forces at the end of World War II.