Stadhuis (Town Hall)
On the banks of the Rhine, Leiden's town hall shows off a Renaissance facade from 1597 and is perhaps the city's most characteristic building. A fire destroyed much of the interior in 1929, which explains the newer building behind the historic front.
De Burcht
Dating from at least the 11th century, De Burcht is one of the best-preserved motte castles in the Netherlands. It is freely accessible, and the steep stairs are rewarded with the finest view over Leiden's rooftops.
Pieterskerk
Founded in 1121 and named after the patron saint of Leiden, this late-Gothic church is closely tied to the Pilgrim Fathers: their leader John Robinson lived in the adjacent Pieterskerkchoorsteeg and is buried here, as are Jan Steen and Herman Boerhaave.
Hooglandse Kerk
An imposing late-Gothic church in the heart of the city, dedicated to St Pancras. Justinus van Nassau, illegitimate son of William of Orange, is buried here.
De Waag
The weigh house, opened in 1659, is a fine example of Dutch Classicism from Leiden's Golden Age. Merchants weighed and traded goods here for centuries; the last cheese was sold in 1972.
Het Gravensteen
The 'Count's Stone' was a fortified tower on the count's estate. Over the centuries it has been a prison, a community home and a book depository; today it belongs to Leiden University.
Sint Annahofje and the almshouses
Founded in 1492, the St Anna almshouse is one of the oldest in Leiden. Its chapel, consecrated in 1509, holds the oldest stained glass in the Netherlands. Leiden has around 35 hofjes — quiet courtyards hidden behind unmarked doors, free to enter when the gate is open.
Wall poems
Since 1992 more than a hundred poems have been painted on Leiden's walls in dozens of languages, starting with Marina Tsvetaeva's on the Nieuwsteeg. Hunting them down is the most charming free walking tour in the city.
Frequently asked questions
- How many monuments does Leiden have?
- Leiden counts more than 2,700 national and municipal monuments, the second highest density in the Netherlands after Amsterdam.
- Which monuments can you visit inside?
- Among others the Pieterskerk, the Hooglandse Kerk, De Valk windmill, the Old Observatory and the courtyard almshouses.
- Are the hofjes open to visitors?
- Many courtyards are open during the day. People live there, so keep quiet and respect the residents.