Groningen - Netherlands

I've been twice to the Netherlands but Groningen was never part of my plans and to be honest, didn't know much about the city. These cards gave me an excuse to learn a bit about it. 

Groningen, capital of the eponymous province in the northern part of Holland, is a lively city that has much to offer in terms of culture and events, beautiful historic monuments like the Martini Tower, great shopping districts for a wonderful shopping spree, and excellent restaurants. - in: https://www.holland.com

NL-4865312, sent by Simone. 

On this view of the city center there's a building that stands out. With its austere silhouette, the 45-metre high distinctive Forum with ten floors and a roof garden has become a permanent part of the city skyline. Forum focuses on amazing and inspiring people through Storyworld, 5 cinemas, the Smartlab, cafés and restaurants, the city library and the highest terrace in Groningen with a phenomenal view and a rooftop cinema. - in: https://www.visitgroningen.nl

The Forum terrace may offer great views of the city but I'd rather climb the 260 steps of the Martinitoren, on the right side of the card. 

 

www.postcards-for-postcrossing.com

NL-5415047, sent by Jolanda.

The Martinitoren, St. Martin's Tower is the bell tower of the Martinikerk and the tallest church steeple in the city of Groningen.

The tower is located at the north-eastern corner of the Grote Markt, Main Market Square. It contains a brick spiral staircase consisting of 260 steps, and the carillon within the tower contains 62 bells. There is a bullet hole in one of the bells, a result of heavy fighting when the Canadian Forces liberated Groningen at the end of World War II. 

It was built between 1469 and 1482 from blocks of Bentheimer sandstone. Its architecture was influenced by the Dom Tower of Utrecht. 

Initially, the tower would have been 102 meters high, but in 1577, the fireworks launched in the third gallery to celebrate the departure of troops from Spain and Wallonia, caused the tower to partially collapse. However, the rest maintained a height of 69 meters. In the 17th century, the tower was repaired to its current height of 97 meters. 

Despite lightning, fires and wars, the tower has endured and is one of Groningen's top tourist attractions and offers views over the city and surrounding area.