Keukenhof Flower Park, Netherlands

During the Eighty Years’ War, starting from spring and until autumn 1574, the Spanish occupied Leiden. In order to defeat the invaders, local people, who were suffering from hunger, had to cut the dikes and flood their home city. The Spanish left Leiden. Ships with provisions could enter the settlement and save people from starvation death. The courage of local people impressed William I of Orange so much that he offered people to free them from taxes or establish a university in Leiden. Local people made their choice in favor of the university. This is how the first university opened in Leiden in the 17th century.

Would you like to see the oldest castle in the Netherlands? For this purpose, don’t forget to visit the Burcht van Leiden, a beautiful and old fortification that is still in good condition. The castle is built on a picturesque hill, in the place where two tributaries of the Rhine River meet. The Burcht van Leiden was built in the 11th century. After a series of excavations, archaeologists proved that the castle was wooden initially. Later, it was decided to strengthen the building with stones. With time, the territory of Burcht van Leiden was growing, and the castle got new walls. In the end, the wooden construction turned into a stone stronghold.
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