History
The origins of the city
Through the cobb lestone alleys, one can discover centuries of history in its many monumental buildings
Nowhere history comes alive the way it does in Leiden. The Academy Building of the university, the Weighing House and the Citadel, the stately mansions lining the famous Rapenburg, the beautiful churches Pieterskerk and Hooglandse Kerk and the 35 almshouses each tell part of Leiden's history. This is where Rembrandt was born and developed his painting skills, where Clusius brought the first tulips to flower 400 years ago, and where the oldest university of Holland was founded.
In ancient times a thriving settlement grew up on the banks of the River Rhine. At the beginning of the 13th century the emerging city was granted municipal status by the count of Holland and the city of Leiden was born. Leiden gained renown in the 15th century when it became famous for its prosperous textile industry. During the eighty years war against the Spanish in the 16th century Leiden suffered terribly. On 3rd October 1574 it finally regained it’s freedom when it was liberated from the Spanish siege. To this day October 3rd is celebrated in Leiden with an abundant city festival. Prince William of Orange rewarded the people of Leiden for their heroic resistance by founding Leiden University, the oldest university in The Netherlands. Today Leiden is a vibrant university town and centre for knowledge with a rich cultural history. Leiden is not called, "Key to Discovery" for nothing.
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