Ossenmarkt

The Ossenmarkt is a square in Groningen, located just north of the historic city center and bordered by the water of the Spilsluizen and the Lopende diep.

It has 6 lovely Monumental buildings.

History of the Ossenmarkt

In the 16th century, the Boteringerondeel, a defensive work for the Boteringepoort, was situated at this location.

The Ossenmarkt was established following the realization of the Grote Uitleg of Groningen and was completed in or before October 1621. 

Cattle Market

On March 18, 1626, the cattle market ('beestenmarkt') was established here, lasting for over two and a half centuries until 1892 when it was relocated to the Veemarkt. Nowadays, the square is used during the kids fair. However in 2023 there was a big horse event on the Ossenmarkt

Historical architecture

Notably, on the north side of the square, several monumental buildings stand, with the Sichtermanhuis, commissioned by  Jan Albert Sichterman, being the most impressive.

Originally a single structure, it was divided into two after his death. The adjacent buildings on the corner of Nieuwe Boteringestraat were lost in 1945 due to wartime destruction.

The western part of the square was originally known as the planted Ossenmarkt. In the nineteenth century, the H.D. Guyot Institute was established in that section. Since 1890, this part has been known as the Guyotplein.

Parking is pushing itself up at Ossenmarkt

Beneath the Ossenmarkt, there is a parking garage, providing convenient access for visitors. Nowadays the parking garage pushes itself above the surface which gives a circle of stones on the square. Sikkom wrote about this strange situation and the fact that this was already known when building the garage.

In summary, we would recommend to go and see this square and its monumental buildings, but also check the canals and the boats in front! 

Photo | Wikipedia | Text Esdert