History

As soon as you enter the Oude Boteringestraat in Groningen, you experience the rich history of the city. Here you can admire the oldest and best preserved parts of the historical city. This street tells stories from the past. Such as the story of Professor Tjalling Joostes Halbertsma.

It was this professor Halbertsma who fell for a characteristic building whose facade is decorated with wooden spandrels and floral motifs. A facade that changes colour with each season, making the street seem to be in constant motion.

It is therefore not so strange that Tjalling Halbertsma chose this building to found his family. Here he would leave an indelible impression with his adventures that is still palpable.

As a professor of Greek Language and Literature, Greek Antiquity and Art History at the University of Groningen, he provided his students with new insights. He was loved for his jovial, open and hospitable attitude and managed to win over several hearts.

This also applies to the Oude Boteringestraat, where he coloured the streetscape with his characteristic red blush on his cheeks. Often walking home from work, where he was touched by the nature that surprised him every day. He made various connections, liked to travel, enjoyed himself and preferred to share this with family and friends. Everyone would describe Halbertsma as a hospitable man. A real family man. Because even though he preferred to discover different cultures and enjoyed the many inspirations he gained with which he faced life, he always returned to his city with those beautiful streets and nature and his beloved family home on the Oude Boteringestraat.

In 1900, the family home of the Halbertsma family underwent a major renovation and it was none other than Halbertsma's grandson who laid the foundation stone. This is where the first connection between old and new was made. This is where the building was created as we know it today. Where the old raw part of the building has remained intact and flows into a light and new part. Yes, you can still experience the legacy of the family that we respect here. Because it was this Tjalling Halbertsma who left an unprecedented impression on the city that we can still feel. He introduced Groningen to art and culture and thereby colored the city. With his personality, his love for Groningen and the urban nature and our vision, we let city by nature flourish. Because that is the only way to experience the city at its best.

The story of Professor Tjalling Joostes Halbertsma continues as you walk through the building and discover the various well-preserved places. Because while you take a seat in the café, the hospitality that we know from Halbertsma is still present. His open, hospitable and jolly character made him a nice person to spend time with. And because of his blond curls and red blush on his cheeks, he was also called 'blushing Tjall'. It is not without reason that Café Tjall is the perfect place to enjoy the company and your favorite drink in the evening.



Just like professor Tjalling Halbertsma, take a walk through the Oude Boteringestraat and look up at the facade. See a city that has changed over the centuries but has essentially remained the same. Where you can enjoy culture, art and togetherness with a blush on your cheeks. Whether that is with family, colleagues or friends. This is your meeting place. Your inspiration and breathing space in your busy life.