<p>Groningen, the seventh largest city in Netherlands, was recently in news because its university is celebrating its 400th birthday in May. <br /><br />Home to two universities, Groningen is where dialysis machine was invented by physician Dr Willem Kolff in 1943. <br /><br />It is where Daniel Bernoulli, the physicist known for his work in fluid mechanics, was born. <br /><br />A two-hour train journey from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam takes one to the Groningen Central Railway Station. <br /><br />An old Victorian building opened in June 1866, this station is remarkable for the works of art displayed on its walls and ceiling. <br /><br />Outside the station is a canal which surrounds the city. <br /><br />A short walk after crossing the canal takes one direct to the historic city centre, which is dominated by the tower of Martini Church. </p>.<p>Named after Saint Martini, this church was built in 13th century.<br /><br /> It was renovated and extended over a period of time. <br /><br />The church tower, built in 1482, is over 300 feet high and is the tallest structure in Groningen. <br /><br />The church is built out of bricks and sandstone and is the most famous landmark of Groningen. <br /><br />Being a trade centre in 3rd century, Groningen was quite powerful in Europe in olden times.<br /><br />Opposite Martini Church lies the main market square Grote Markt. Close by is another market square, ‘fish market’. Numerous shops and restaurants are located in this cobblestoned area.<br /><br /> Every Sunday a colourful weekly ‘shandy’ (market) takes place in the open area here. <br /><br />The Grote Markt is also the place where various music/drama festivals are held. <br /><br />The City Hall building, which dominates Grote Markt, is an imposing structure. <br /><br />In April 1945, during World War II, this area was severely damaged. However, one small building called Goud Kantoor (meaning ‘gold office’), close to the City Hall, survived.<br /><br /> This iconic building, built in 1635, is supposedly the oldest building in Groningen. This building now houses a popular pub.<br /><br />The pride of Groningen, Rijksuniversiteiet Groningen, has its administrative and academic offices in many buildings across the city. <br /><br />The main building housing the administrative block was built in 1846, in the same place where centuries-old building stood from 1614.<br /><br /> When this building was completely destroyed in a fire in 1906, the present building in the same style as earlier was built. <br /><br />The University Museum located nearby has been popular amongst the visitors to Groningen. Another popular museum is the Netherland Strip Museum. <br /><br />This Cartoon Museum, opened in 2004, is frequented by children and adults alike.<br /><br />Groningen now throbs with students who are found furiously cycling all over the town. <br /><br />In every respect, Groningen is a pretty Dutch city bubbling with energetic students.</p>
<p>Groningen, the seventh largest city in Netherlands, was recently in news because its university is celebrating its 400th birthday in May. <br /><br />Home to two universities, Groningen is where dialysis machine was invented by physician Dr Willem Kolff in 1943. <br /><br />It is where Daniel Bernoulli, the physicist known for his work in fluid mechanics, was born. <br /><br />A two-hour train journey from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam takes one to the Groningen Central Railway Station. <br /><br />An old Victorian building opened in June 1866, this station is remarkable for the works of art displayed on its walls and ceiling. <br /><br />Outside the station is a canal which surrounds the city. <br /><br />A short walk after crossing the canal takes one direct to the historic city centre, which is dominated by the tower of Martini Church. </p>.<p>Named after Saint Martini, this church was built in 13th century.<br /><br /> It was renovated and extended over a period of time. <br /><br />The church tower, built in 1482, is over 300 feet high and is the tallest structure in Groningen. <br /><br />The church is built out of bricks and sandstone and is the most famous landmark of Groningen. <br /><br />Being a trade centre in 3rd century, Groningen was quite powerful in Europe in olden times.<br /><br />Opposite Martini Church lies the main market square Grote Markt. Close by is another market square, ‘fish market’. Numerous shops and restaurants are located in this cobblestoned area.<br /><br /> Every Sunday a colourful weekly ‘shandy’ (market) takes place in the open area here. <br /><br />The Grote Markt is also the place where various music/drama festivals are held. <br /><br />The City Hall building, which dominates Grote Markt, is an imposing structure. <br /><br />In April 1945, during World War II, this area was severely damaged. However, one small building called Goud Kantoor (meaning ‘gold office’), close to the City Hall, survived.<br /><br /> This iconic building, built in 1635, is supposedly the oldest building in Groningen. This building now houses a popular pub.<br /><br />The pride of Groningen, Rijksuniversiteiet Groningen, has its administrative and academic offices in many buildings across the city. <br /><br />The main building housing the administrative block was built in 1846, in the same place where centuries-old building stood from 1614.<br /><br /> When this building was completely destroyed in a fire in 1906, the present building in the same style as earlier was built. <br /><br />The University Museum located nearby has been popular amongst the visitors to Groningen. Another popular museum is the Netherland Strip Museum. <br /><br />This Cartoon Museum, opened in 2004, is frequented by children and adults alike.<br /><br />Groningen now throbs with students who are found furiously cycling all over the town. <br /><br />In every respect, Groningen is a pretty Dutch city bubbling with energetic students.</p>
