Leiden City Hall

Leiden City Hall is a Renaissance building from around 1600 standing between the Fish Market along the New Rhine and Breestraat. The structure displays ornate facade elements and currently houses municipal offices, a café-restaurant, and a nightclub.

Architect Lieven de Key completed this structure around 1600 as a key administrative center for the city. A fire in 1929 damaged the adjacent Fish Market section, necessitating partial reconstruction.

The building serves as Leiden's administrative center and hosts ceremonies and public gatherings throughout the year. People gather in the square in front for daily meetings and local events.

Access is available during standard opening hours and the square in front is freely accessible. Guided tours offer deeper insight into the architectural and historical aspects of the building.

The interior was completely rebuilt after a 1929 fire, with modern functions like a restaurant and nightclub integrated into the historic shell. This blending shows how old buildings adapt to contemporary needs.

Location: Leiden

Inception: 1597

Architects: Lieven de Key

Official opening: 1940

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 52.15806,4.49083

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44