Mesmerizing Leiden is the homeland of many great artists and winners of the Nobel Prize. In modern times, this city in the Netherlands has turned into an important tourist destination, and there is a reason for such popularity. This gorgeous settlement has a rich past that is like a magnet for guests. Leiden shares its interesting history with every guest and gladly uncovers the historical and cultural heritage of the region. The Leiden University, which is famous on the country level, beautiful old buildings and waterfronts – all of them are eager to tell you the history of the region and explain why this city inspired so many genius people and encouraged them to create their masterpieces.
The first mention of Leiden in the annals dates back to 922. At that time, this region belonged to the Bishop of Utrecht. The first castle in the area appeared in the 12th century. Steadily, the area around the castle became a popular marketplace. When the Hundred Years' War started, many weavers from Ypres found shelter in Leiden. This event gave a major boost to the development of the weaving industry in the Dutch city. In 1581, the Elzevirs, a famous Dutch family of booksellers, settled and started working in Leiden.
Would you like to see the oldest castle in the Netherlands? For this purpose, don’t forget to visit the Burcht van Leiden, a beautiful and old fortification that is still in good condition. The castle is built on a picturesque hill, in the place where two tributaries of the Rhine River meet. The Burcht van Leiden was built in the 11th century. After a series of excavations, archaeologists proved that the castle was wooden initially. Later, it was decided to strengthen the building with stones. With time, the territory of Burcht van Leiden was growing, and the castle got new walls. In the end, the wooden construction turned into a stone stronghold.
Upon your arrival in Leiden, you will immediately notice this beautiful castle that stands on a twelve-meter-tall hill. It looks like it is floating in the air above the city. The medieval stronghold was restored several times, so visitors can see its upgraded walls at the moment. Moreover, the latest restoration, which happened in 2010, added one more new element – the rain protection system. This protection will help to save the gorgeous building for many decades. The government maintains the historic attraction and renovates the castle every forty-five to fifty years.
There are many old castles in Leiden and its vicinities. Tourists enjoy visiting Gravensteen, a fabulous building constructed in the 13th century. The purpose of the building changed several times over the centuries. Initially, the castle was a residence of the nobles and rulers of the region. However, the Duke of Burgundy ordered to turn Gravensteen into a prison in 1463. People accused of serious crimes and condemned to death served their sentences in this prison. Gravensteen accepted prisoners from all cities in the Netherlands and even some German cities.
There was a square opposite the castle. Prisoners condemned to death were executed right on this square. The last prisoner was executed here in 1856. After that, Gravensteen was a simple prison where people were kept for a specific period of time. Starting from the end of the 16th century, a correctional facility was open in the castle. Gravensteen was transformed into a book warehouse in the mid-50s of the 20th century. Starting from 2006, a student facility has been open in this building.
The easiest way to get to Leiden is to travel by train. It takes only fifteen minutes to reach this city from the neighbor city, The Hague. The journey from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a bit longer – up to half an hour. If you decide to travel from Amsterdam, the ride will be almost forty minutes. All trains, regardless of their dispatching point, make a stop at the central station in Leiden. This station is situated five hundred meters from the old part of the city. Tourists can reach it by public bus, taxi or simply walk.
