What to do at The Grote Markt?

Trade has been taking place on the Grote Markt for as long as one can remember.

On Tuesday, Friday and each Saturday you can stroll past the market stalls here.

At the edges of the market you can enjoy a snack and a drink on one of the terraces. Take a seat in front of the monumental facade of the Three Sisters, on the large terrace of the Market Hotel or under the smoke of the d'Olle Grieze at the Kostery. There is plenty to discover.

A little bit of history

The Grote Markt, until the early 19th century (1822) the Breede Merckt, is the most important square and the center of the Dutch city of Groningen.

The square is dominated by the Martini Tower and the City Hall. Another prominent building is the Goudkantoor. On the east side, Forum Groningen rises behind the buildings. The market is also best known for its concentration of catering establishments, including catering company Drie Gezusters, with a capacity of 3700 people, which it claims is the largest pub in Europe, including Hotel De Doelen is also the oldest operating catering establishment in Groningen.

Festivities

The Grote Markt also functions as a marketplace. Over the centuries, the Grote Markt has been the stage for all festive and solemn events in Groningen, including the celebration of August 28 in commemoration of Groningen's Relief.

As a result of the destruction during the Liberation of Groningen in 1945, the Grote Markt received a significantly changed appearance during the reconstruction period, with the north and east walls being rebuilt in a modernist style and the building line on the east side being pushed back by 17 meters. In the first quarter of the 21st century, a major redevelopment operation was initiated to give the north and east walls a new appearance. The old building line on the east side has been restored. It is not yet clear whether and how the north wall will be tackled. The redesign of the square will start at the end of 2022.

The municipality decided as  well to plant the first tree in 2023 (more to come) to make the square in the future a place with a natural shade for the sun during hot summers.