In the Footsteps of Young Rembrandt (Self Guided), Leiden

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 footsteps of young Rembrandt around the city.

You can start by visiting the workshop of Jacob van Swanenburgh who took the future master as an apprentice. In this 17th-century house, at Langebrug 89, Rembrandt learned how to draw, paint and make etchings.

Next, head to the Latin School on Lokhorststraat, where Rembrandt was educated, from 1616 to 1620, receiving preparatory training for university. It was here that he first learned to sketch at the hand of Henricus Rieverlinck, his art teacher.

After that, walk through Rembrandt's home neighbourhood of Pieterskwartier and visit Pieterskerk, the late-Gothic deconsecrated church featuring some stunning epitaphs, tombstones and artifacts.

The next stop is Leiden University, a 17th-century intellectual hub whose role in the Dutch Golden Age is hard to overestimate. Here Rembrandt was briefly enrolled.

Finally, a place where Rembrandt was born, in 1606. Although the original house is gone, it is still recognizable by a gable stone and a statue commemorating that.

There are many attractions and stories left from Rembrandt's Leiden. To hear some of them and to visit the historic locations associated with the famous master, embark on this self-guided walking tour and get a glimpse into the life of young Rembrandt.