Top 10 Facts about Leiden

Leiden, Netherlands. Author Ben Bender. WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Facts about Leiden

Leiden is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. It is located on the Oude Rijin. At a distance of about 20km from The Hague to its south and about 40km from Amsterdam to its north.

Leiden has important functions as a shopping and trade centre for communities around the city. The city houses the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University.

Leiden is a city with a rich cultural heritage, not only in science but also in the arts. One of the world’s most famous painters, Rembrandt, was born and educated in Leiden. Other famous Leiden painters include Lucas van Leyden, Jan van Goyen and Jan Steen.

Leiden is also known as the place where the Pilgrims lived. They operated a printing press for a time in the early 17th century. They later departed to Massachusetts and New Amsterdam.

Leiden is a beautiful city rich in history. In this article, we are going to learn the top 10 facts about this wonderful city.

1. One of the World’s Most Famous Painters was Born and Educated in Leiden

Leiden – Rembrandtplaats – Birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn IV. Author Txllxt TxllxT. WIKIMEDIA

Leiden city is the home to a famous painter in the world. Rembrandt was born and raised here.

He attended classes at the city’s prestigious university for a period before he decided to pursue a career as an artist. However, he spent much of his life in Amsterdam.

There are several tributes to Rembrandt around the. A plague on Weddesteeg was created to mark his birthplace.

Moreover, there is a Young Rembrandt Studio at Langebrug 89. Here you can watch an informative video about the artist’s life and work, and see some of his original paintings up close.

2. Wander and Take a Closer look at the second Oldest University Observatory in the World

Leiden Observatory. Author Erik Zachte.WIKIMEDIA

Leiden Observatory is the second oldest university observatory in the world. It was founded in 1633. Since then many additions have been made to the facilities, such as the observatory’s second site which was completed in 1860 and currently houses the universities law faculty.

Today, astronomy students still have practical lessons in the observatory. You can learn about this historic building at the visitor centre, or, if you want, you can even have a free guided tour.

The observatory’s visitor centre won’t disappoint, with the interactive Galaxy Maker. Visitors also vet a chance to Make their galaxy. There’s a virtual tour of the cosmos as well as an exhibition about astronomy.

3. Leiden has a hotel that is more than 400 years old

The Huys van Leyden is an intimate hotel located in Leiden. This beautiful and fully restored national monument from 1611 is situated at one of the most beautiful canals of Leiden.

Dating back more than 400 years, this building has five hotel rooms, each with its unique style. The rooms have been divided into three floors, which are accessible using staircases. Nevertheless, the hotel has no lift.

4. Visit the fascinating Pieterskerk and Churchyard Museum

Pieterskerk, Author Johan Bakker. WIKIMEDIA

Pieterskerk or Saint Peter’s church is the oldest in Leiden. It dates back to the 1600s.

One amazing fact about the church is that it took 159 years to construct. It has stone and brick architecture with many arched windows.

 Pieterserk’s interior wall is decorated with several small buildings that surround its semicircular back. You can explore the interior of Pieterskerk and see the ornamental decorations, large opulent organs, and lovely vaulted ceilings.

The Churchyard Museum has over 30,000 objects including furniture and silverware from the 16th to 20th Century Netherlands. It is known today as the church of the Pilgrim Fathers, where John Robinson, the pastor of the Pilgrims, was buried.

5. Explore the Wall Poems while Walking Around the City

When you visit Leiden don’t forget to look around. This is because dozens of buildings are adorned with poems.

The Wall Poems project began in 1992. It was concluded in 2005. During these years, 101 poems were painted on walls around the city in the author’s language.

There are poems in Turkish, Japanese, Indonesian and Russian, to mention a few languages. However, the poems are often accompanied by Dutch and English translations on nearby plaques. Many more poems have been added since the project ended.

6. Visit the National Museum of Ethnology of Leiden

Building of the National Museum of Ethnology. Author ErikvanB. WIKIMEDIA

The National Museum of Ethnology is a museum about people. It has a permanent display that features objects from eight different cultures.

The museum currently contains over 340,000 pieces, which tell stories about humankind, from mourning to celebration and prayer. Of these pieces, 1750,000 are objects.155,000 are photographic material and another 100,000 are imagery.

7. Relax at the Oldest Botanical Garden in the Netherlands

Hortus Botanicus Leiden. Author MichielSt. WIKIMEDIA

The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands is the Hortus Botanicus. It was created by Leiden University. The university was granted permission to create it in 1590.

An extensive collection of plants were set up by Carolus Clausius in 1593. He is the one who introduced the tulip in the Netherlands.

The Hortus Botanicus is home to more than 10.000 species of plants from all over the world. So whether you’re a plant nerd, or you just love those leafy greens, a trip to this wonderful garden is a must.

8. Take a drive to Duivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten

Duivenvoorde Castle is a beautiful example of Dutch architecture. It has been privately managed since the 13th century. The castle was named after its founders.

The museum has a collection of art and sculptures containing ancient Roman stones. The stones are inscribed in Latin.

9. Rock your Instagram with the Molen De Valk Windmill Photo at Leiden

Windmill “De Valk” in the town of Leiden, Netherlands. Author Alma Mulalic & Yann Fauché. WIKIMEDIA

Molen De Valk Windmill is a Dutch windmill located in Leiden. It is ranked as one of the top Attractions since it is a Dutch national symbol.

There is the Molen museum de Valk on-site. A small museum where you can learn about the importance of these windmills in the entire country of the Netherlands.

10. Dine and wine at Lot and De Walvis Restaurant

 Buddha Bowl as ordered in a restaurant (Lot & De Walvis, Leiden).Author PizzaMan, WIKIMEDIA

After a long day of sightseeing, you can take the opportunity and enjoy a nice dinner at Lot and de Walvis by Leiden harbour.

The restaurant was founded by Lot. She was a tourist who travelled around the world in her van called ‘de Walvis’. This is where the name of the restaurant came from.

At the restaurant, you will find all the experiences Lot had during her trip. As well as ideas that came to mind and souvenirs she bought.

When you visit Leiden it is important to explore the canal to gain more insight into this historic town’s heritage.

Renting a boat or taking a canal cruise is an excellent way to experience the city of Leiden. You will be able to see the city and its natural surroundings from a different viewpoint.