LEIDEN – CANALS, SCHOLARS AND THE PILGRIM FATHERS

Leiden Walking Tour – Description

Welcome to a city that captivates you from the very first glance. With its picturesque canals, historic bridges, and charming hidden courtyards, Leiden is a place uniquely shaped by a thriving textile industry and world-class science. Together, we will see how the lazy flow of the Rhine has for centuries set the rhythm of this city—rightfully known as the intellectual heart of the Netherlands.

Our journey begins at the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. In the shadow of the monumental St. Peter’s Church (Pieterskerk), we will uncover a remarkable local chapter that forever changed the course of history… in America! Next, we will step onto the bustling Breestraat to admire the imposing City Hall and elegant Art Nouveau townhouses. Passing through the vibrant local market and the historic Koornbrug bridge, we will reach the medieval Burcht fortress hidden in the heart of the city, offering the most beautiful panoramic view over Leiden’s rooftops and the Hooglandse Kerk. We will wrap up our walk at one of the city’s greatest icons: the Molen de Valk windmill.

Along the way, you’ll admire many architectural gems and hear fascinating stories about the Counts of Holland, Pilgrims, infamous tulipmania, and the most famous Leidenaar: Rembrandt.

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On this tour, you will discover:

• The surprising connection between Leiden and American Thanksgiving.
• The secrets hidden behind the historic facade of the City Hall
• What did Leiden have to do with the dutch Tulip Mania
• How to read a windmill—and tell if it is resting or “smiling”

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