De Oude Turk, Leiden, Protected heritage house in Breestraat, Leiden, Netherlands
De Oude Turk is a sandstone house on Breestraat with a classical facade featuring composite capital pilasters and an ornately decorated gable. The sculptural details in the gable field were created by Pieter Xavery.
The building was constructed in 1673 during the Dutch Golden Age for merchants named Le Pla under architect Willem van der Helm. Modifications around 1900 altered both the ground floor and first floor levels.
The house displays Dutch classicism through its artistic details. The statues of Neptune, Mercury, and a merchant figure point to the city's connections with international trade.
The protected monument is located at Breestraat 84 in central Leiden and is easily accessible on foot. The historic facade can be admired from the street as the building forms part of the public streetscape.
In 1910, Sigmund Freud and Gustav Mahler had a significant psychological conversation while walking past this building. This chance meeting of two great minds took place on Leiden's streets.
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