In the year 1225, a stately stone house was built at Grote Markt 36–39 by the Gelkinge family. A stone house was a typical Groningen variant of a castle. The influential family owned vast tracts of land in the city of Groningen and the Ommeland.
The Gelkingestraat, located to the right of the building, therefore still bears their name. Even back then, the building was part of the facade that remains so characteristic today, by which many recognize De Drie Gezusters and, moreover, the city of Groningen. The three daughters of Peter Stuyvesant IV, a descendant of the former governor of New York, could not adapt to the Victorian era due to the strict standards of propriety and conservatism. At some point, the daughters moved into the Gelkingers' former home. At the foot of d’ Olle Grieze, they were already introduced to genuine Groningen hospitality at that time.
Since then, there has been a great deal of conviviality in the characteristic building on the Grote Markt, and that has never changed over the years. With respect for their rich history, De Drie Gezusters still honors the daughters today and bears the name De Drie Gezusters with pride.
With its high ceilings and spectacular chandeliers, De Drie Gezusters exudes the atmosphere of yesteryear. Both indoors and on our heated terrace, you can enjoy coffee and tea specialties, breakfast, homemade pastries, lunch, drinks, and dinner in a cozy and intimate setting.