Leiden - Quintessentially Dutch

ViewFinders February Walk

Overcast but mercifully dry, the historic city of Leiden provided a wealth of photographic opportunities on this month's ViewFInders Walk.  Leiden marked the starting point of the pilgrim fathers' journey to the New World, was Rembrandt's birthplace and where he learned to paint, was where the first tulips in Western Europe were planted and boast's Holland's oldest university. This quintessentially Dutch town presents views of old gabled buildings, canals, churches, windmills and, of course, bicycles around every corner.

Molen De Valk, Leiden	Almshouses, Leiden
Molen De Valk, one of the few of the original mills that used to sit on top of the city walls.	Leiden has 35 groups of almshouses, each a sanctuary of peace and solitude.

The Citadel, Leiden
The 11th century motte Citadel, unique in Holland.
Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden
The 14th century Hooglandse Kerk from the top of the Citadel.
Hooglandse Kerk through the doors of the Citadel, Leiden
The imposing gothic Hooglandse Kerk framed in the doors of the Citadel.

All images available for purchase HERE