Скачать или смотреть The Martinitoren, one of the most iconic and enduring landmarks in the Dutch city of Groningen

If there’s one place in Groningen you simply can’t miss—it’s the Martinitoren. Known lovingly by locals as "d'Olle Grieze" or “The Old Grey One,” this medieval tower has stood tall for centuries, watching over the city's heart from the edge of the Grote Markt, Groningen’s main square.

Rising 97 meters into the Dutch sky, the Martinitoren is more than a tower—it's the city’s soul in stone. From fires and lightning strikes to revolutions and rebuilds, it has endured it all. Built in 1482, this is the third version of the tower on this site—its Gothic bones and Renaissance details whisper stories of time gone by.

But here's the catch—there’s no elevator. If you want the view, you earn it. With each of the 260 spiral steps, the past comes alive: vaulted ceilings, carved stone, ancient bells, and wooden beams creak under your feet. It’s a climb, yes—but trust me, the reward is unforgettable.

At 39 meters, you step out onto the first gallery. Wind in your hair. The bells just above you. And below? Groningen laid out like a storybook. Keep going, and you’ll find the clockwork attic, where the heartbeat of the tower ticks behind massive dials. From there, the view is pure magic—panoramic cityscapes, canals, rooftops, and green Dutch fields stretching to the horizon.

And those bells? There are over 50 of them, many cast in the 17th century by the legendary Hemony brothers. Their chimes float across the city like music from another age—still played regularly, still timeless.

Made of Bentheimer sandstone and built in classic North German Gothic style, the Martinitoren is a masterpiece of resilience and grace.

Whether you're into architecture, history, or just chasing epic views, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve climbed back down.

👉 Like, subscribe, and join us on more journeys like this one. Groningen has stories—and the Martinitoren is where many of them begin.

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