- published: 31 May 2014
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Groningen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɣroʊ̯.nɪ.ŋə(n)], locally [ˈxroː.nɪ.ŋən] ( listen); Gronings: Grunnen; West Frisian: Grins) is the main municipality as well as the capital city of the eponymous province in the Netherlands. With a population of around 190,000, it is the largest city in the north of the Netherlands. Groningen is a university city, inhabited on average by about 37,000 students.
The city was founded on the northernmost point of the Hondsrug area. The oldest document referring to Groningen's existence dates from 1040. However, the city already existed long before then: the oldest archaeological traces found are believed to stem from the years 3950-3720 BC, although the first major settlement in Groningen has been traced back to the 3rd century AD.
In the 13th century, when Groningen was an important trade centre, its inhabitants built a city wall to underline its authority. The city had a strong influence on the surrounding lands and made its dialect a common tongue. The most influential period of the city was the end of the 15th century, when the nearby province of Friesland was administered from Groningen. During these years, the Martini Tower was built, which loomed over the city at (then) 127 metres tall, making it the highest building in Europe at the time. The city's independence came to an end when it chose to join forces with the Spanish during the Eighty Years' War in 1594. It later switched sides, joining the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.
I came into this city on a cold winter's morn
Needing human comfort just to move along
I sang and played the music as in many towns before
Here I sang my heart out, you gave me so much more
Reminding me to live and love life with a smile
And all of my frustrations became worthwhile
In Groningen, in Groningen
When it was covered in snow
In Groningen, in Groningen
You had so many beauties I will never know
But your peace and your wisdom helping me grow
I came into this city on a cold winter's morn
Sang here every evening and I played to every dawn
The woman I met in the cafe touched me in the dark
Beloved through the morning and beloved in my heart
In Groningen, in Groningen
When it was covered in snow
In Groningen, in Groningen
You had so many beauties I will never know