Leiden University is not only a beautiful building, which adorns the city for many centuries but one of the oldest educational institutions in the Netherlands.

It was founded in 1575 by the Dutch Revolt leader, Prince of Orange William the Silent. He wished the city to have a large university to grow and develop the best minds in the country and overshadow the glory of other regions.

The learning process is based on freedom of thought and expression. Innovators and experimenters quickly took their place among teachers and students. Due to this tradition that has continued to this day, Leiden Univesity is included in the League of European Research Universities and is considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Europe.

The most popular faculty today is archaeology. It has the largest competition among students. Then there follow faculties of arts, humanities, and history.

A curious fact: unlike now, students and teachers of the university had many privileges for their work and study many centuries ago. For example, they were exempted from paying alcohol tax. So, presumably, the city life was both scholarly and fun.

Despite the relatively free nature of education, the university graduates included renowned scientists, artists, and philosophers. Rene Descartes, Rembrandt, Albert Einstein, Benedict de Spinoza were among them.

Near the university, there is a beautiful botanical garden. This place attracts a vast number of tourists, and it is no coincidence. The garden is over 400 years old. The first manager was the famous botanist Carolus Clusius. His work is considered to have led to the appearance and high popularity of tulips in the Netherlands. He began to grow them in a small area, only 30 by 30 metres. Gradually, the number of obtained sorts increased so did the field with tulips. The once pure idea grew so that tulips today are a hallmark of the Netherlands.