The legend of the Shell Cave

In Groningen’s Nienoord you will find a beautiful shell cave: a building decorated from bottom to top with millions of shells. According to legend, this shell cave didn’t come into existence by accident….

The legend of Nienoord

Geeske, the maid of the count and his damsel, was a very curious girl. She had heard of the count’s treasures and was eager to find them. According to the rumors, these treasures were hidden in the garden house of the count and his wife. When they were away from home, Geeske went to investigate. She indeed found the treasures in the small house. She was so impressed by all the splendor that she did not realize that the count and his wife were already home!

Caught!

Geeske was caught by the count who, to put it mildly, was not pleased with her action. Quickly the count moved his treasures elsewhere and locked Geeske in the garden house. According to legend, Geeske was doomed to decorate the entire garden house from top to bottom with shells. Only when it was finished was she allowed out. Through a hatch, she was given food and drink. She also got shells and candles that way, so she could go on even in the dark.

Finally finished

It took no less than twenty years for Geeske to finish her enormous job. Finally she was allowed to leave the garden house. As soon as the door opened Geeske ran outside. She plopped down on her knees in front of the Leekster Hoofddiep. In the reflecting lake she saw someone she no longer recognized: her face was full of wrinkles and her hair had turned completely gray. In shock and misery, Geekse fell down on the bank and never got up again.

Italian

Nienoord’s shell cave is not a real cave. The word “cave” is probably a corruption of the Italian word grotto, meaning mosaic chamber. The idea of shell caves also originated in Italy. It was supposed to create a fantasy world of stones, shells and water. According to sources, there are three shell caves in the Netherlands. There is said to be a shell cave on the estate of Castle Rosendael and a small, restored shell cave in Palace Het Loo. But the shell cave at Nienoord is the only one in its original state.

Moorish heads

In the shell cave you will find two Moorish heads. These effigies were of two slaves who worked on the count’s estate. They were given a special place in the shell cave because they rescued the count’s child from the moat. In gratitude, the count wanted to give the slaves back their freedom, but they were so happy on the estate that they preferred to stay. But the count still wanted to do something special for them.

Museum Nienoord

You can also visit the shell cave itself! You can find the cave on the grounds of the Nationaal Rijtuigenmuseum Nienoord in Groningen. After your visit, you can enjoy exploring Groningen with Katia’s tips! Now that’s a fun day out!