look at these photos, or don't

(1) (3) Pelstergasthuis, is the oldest dating "hofje" from Groningen, going back to the 13th century but renovated and added continuously since then. (2) The back gable of a historical house, which still showcases the original large "kloostermoppen" bricks of the middle ages.     

(3) (4) The "Aa" canal or river, which was once the main artery of the city connecting the town to the nearby North Sea and beyond, allowing Groningen trade with the Baltic Sea. It remains iconic with its "pakhuizen" (warehouses), now primary being homes. The façades have been adapted throughout the centuries, especially in the late 18th and 19th centuries, but most of these buildings still have a significant medieval core.     

(2) The medieval "Akerk" ("A church", named after the Aa river nearby). (3) (4) The gothic house in Groningen is the only medieval house which has still preserved some of its original medieval gothic gable. Once upon a time, most stone houses in the city would have looked like this. The house once also featured brick pinnacles on its step gable, but these have been since lost.     

Engelbert village, a ribbon development dating already back to the middle ages when the surrounding pit land areas were starting to be cultivated. Now it is a charming rural village just outside the city of Groningen.     

(1) The Sint Martinus church, the main (medieval) church of the city, dating back mostly to the 15th century in Hanseatic gothic style. (2) (3) (4) Het Rode Weeshuis, or "the red orphanage", is a orphanage dating back to 1350 (Middle Ages). The appearance of the façade at the street side dates from later 17-19th century renovations, but its core is medieval, and the interieur has preserved some original gothic ornaments, including the medieval "kloostermoppen" bricks.     

(1) Art nouveau house. Groningen is also very rich in beautiful art nouveau architecture. (2) The old 19th century train station of Groningen, made by the famous Dutch-Limburgish architect Pierre Cuypers who also designed the Central Station of Amsterdam.