Leiden University Library, Leiden

Leiden University Library, Leiden

The Leiden University Library dates back to the year 1575. It is considered a significant place in the development of European culture as it is part of a small number of cultural centers that spread knowledge during the Enlightenment. The Library contains approximately 3 500 000 volumes. By now the building looks like an ultramodern structure, although it suffered a lot of reconstructions and modifications. The edifice is a large net of buildings connected between them; unusual columns belonging to modern architecture sustain parts of the library. The lower part in red brick is all that is left from the old, original building.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leiden. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Leiden University Library on Map

Sight Name: Leiden University Library
Sight Location: Leiden, Netherlands (See walking tours in Leiden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Leiden, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Leiden

Create Your Own Walk in Leiden

Creating your own self-guided walk in Leiden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
In the Footsteps of Young Rembrandt

In the Footsteps of Young Rembrandt

Once a thriving hub for trade and textile manufacturing, and a home to Holland's oldest university, Leiden also made history as the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest visual artists of the mankind, renowned for his ingenious use of light and shadow, and life-like portraits. The Golden Age of the Netherlands can still be felt in Leiden, especially if you follow in the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Leiden Introduction Walking Tour

Leiden Introduction Walking Tour

In the year 860, at the confluence of the Old Rhine and the New Rhine, there was a settlement called "Leithon." This word referred to a canalized river. The name is appropriate. Leiden from its beginnings was a city of canals.

In 1060 Alewin I, landlord of Leiden, built his fortified keep, the "Burcht" ("Fort"). The village of Leiden huddled around the fortified...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles