History of Leiden, Netherlands

In 1572, the city of Leiden sided with the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule and played an important role in the Eighty Years' War.

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The University of Leiden was founded by William I of Orange in 1575

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On 12 January 1807, a catastrophe struck the city when a boat loaded with 17,400 kilograms of gunpowder blew up in the middle of Leiden.
151 persons were killed, over 2,000 were injured and some 220 homes were destroyed.
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In 1842, the railroad from Leiden to Haarlem was inaugurated

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Johan Rudolf Thorbecke (1798–1872) wrote the Dutch Constitution in April 1848 in his house at Garenmarkt 9 in Leiden.

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1895 - Leyden / Leiden
Leyden, or Leiden, li'den (Fr. Leyde, lèd or laid; L. Lugdu'num Batavo'rum), a city of the Netherlands, in South Holland, 22 miles S.W. of Amsterdam, and 17 miles N. of Rotterdam (with both of which it is connected by canals and railways), on the Old Rhine, 6 miles from its mouth in the North Sea. Lat. 52° 9' 30" N.; lon. 4°29' 30' E. Its old walls and fortifications have been removed. Leyden is intersected by canals, and encompassed by wind mills, country-seats, pleasure-grounds, gardens, and fertile meadows...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

2023 - Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Leiden. Here's a list to get you started:
Leiden's Canals: Start your exploration of Leiden by strolling along its beautiful canals. The city is often referred to as "Little Amsterdam" due to its similar canal network, and you can enjoy a leisurely walk or even take a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective.

Leiden University: Visit the renowned Leiden University, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1575. Explore the historic buildings and the botanical garden, known as the Hortus Botanicus, which is home to a diverse collection of plants.

Molen de Valk: This iconic windmill, also known as the Falcon Windmill, is a symbol of Leiden. You can tour the windmill and learn about its history and the milling process while enjoying panoramic views of the city from the top.

Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church): Explore this impressive Gothic church, which dates back to the 14th century. The church hosts various events and exhibitions and is a beautiful place to appreciate the city's history and... Read MORE...