Travel to Leiden for a Super Vacation in South Holland

Leiden, located in South Holland,is a urban area that comprehends the regions of Leiderdrop, Oegstgeest, and Voorschoten. This city, that also is a municipality, can be found near the cities of Haarlem and The Hague, on the Old Rhine, and is famous by being a University town. This is a very appealing antique city which every tourist who enjoys having a vacation at a destination that is very rich in history as well as beautiful should not hesitate choosing it as the right place to travel.

One of the most important moments in the history of Leiden took place when its stronghold was created. The stronghold of Leiden was built during the 9th century in the county of Holland. During that époque, Utrecht was being ruled by the Vikings, and this was the main reason for the creation of Leiden's stronghold, known during that time as the stronghold of Holtland. This stronghold was where the Countess of Holland, Ada, hid while fighting against her brother, the Count of Holland, who eventually could enter into the stronghold and capture her.

Between the 16th and the 17th centuries, Leiden went through what can be called a golden age, when its popularity and success increased along with its wealth. During that époque, Leiden was part of the Eighty Years' War having a very important role in it, in such a way that still nowadays, at beginnings of October the end of the siege of the Spaniards is still celebrated in this town. Besides this, and also during this period of time, the famous University of Leiden was built and founded by William I of Orange, giving birth to the most characteristic elements of this city.

During their vacation in Leiden, tourists could visit a great amount of antique and historical buildings. Most of the constructions that were built during the great 16th and 17th centuries are still perfectly conserved and are among the most appealing attractions this city offers to all those tourists who travel to it. Other interesting attraction visitors can meet in Leiden is the Old Castle, located where the two arms of the Old Rhine meet. This castle, locally known as the De Burcht, has the interesting shape of a circular tower and is a construction which all those who enjoy disciplines such as architecture and design should not miss.

The Gravensteen, a fortification that was built during the 13th century, is another of the most appealing antique constructions visitors can meet in Leiden. Since the time when it was built, this construction was used as a library, a house, a prison, and nowadays as part of the University of Leiden. Besides this, during their vacation at Leiden tourists can also meet several antique churches, such as, for example, the Church of St. Peter or the Pieterskerk, built around the year 1315. Also, the Church of St. Pancras, known as the Hooglandsche Kerk is another interesting religious construction visitors should not miss. The Church of St. Pancras was built in the 15th century and houses an interesting monument built in honor to Pieter Adriaanszoon.