About Leiden

Leiden is the place where Rembrandt was born in 1606. He opened a studio in Leiden in 1624 or 1625. Leiden forms an important part of Dutch history. The end of the Spanish siege in 1574 is celebrated on 3 October by an annual parade, a fair and eating the traditional food of herring and white bread and hutspot. However, the most important piece of Dutch history contributed by Leiden was the Constitution of the Netherlands. Johan Rudolf Thorbecke (1798-1872) wrote the Dutch Constitution in April 1848 in his house in Leiden.

Leiden University (Dutch: Universiteit Leiden), located in the city of Leiden, is the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university was founded in 1575 by Prince William of Orange. The royal Dutch House of Orange-Nassau and Leiden University still have a close relationship. The Queens Juliana and Beatrix and crown-prince Willem-Alexander studied at Leiden University.

The coat of arms of Leiden is two red keys, crossed in an X-shape on a white background. These keys are those to the gates of heaven held by St.Peter, for whom a large church in the city centre is named.

Leiden is located 15 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport, 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station and Rotterdam Central Station. City walks or bicycle tours are good opportunities to get to know Leiden, but since the town is further intersected by numerous small canals, a boat tour is a must!

More information: http://www.leiden.nl/en