Van der Werfpark, Public park in central Leiden, Netherlands.
Van der Werfpark is a public green space in central Leiden that runs along the Steenschuur waterway. It features landscaped gardens with regional plant varieties, walking paths throughout, and seating areas at various points.
The park was established in 1886 on land that became available after a major disaster in the 1800s. A ship carrying gunpowder exploded at this location, destroying many nearby buildings, after which the land was later transformed into this public space.
The park's statue honors a former mayor and displays bronze reliefs showing scenes from a pivotal moment in the city's past. These monuments help visitors understand who this person was and why the city remembers them.
You can enter the park from two locations, either from Doezastraat or from Garenmarkt. Inside there are benches scattered throughout for resting and a tea house with outdoor seating where you can stay and relax.
On the opposite side of the waterway, a memorial stone is set into the quay marking the exact location of the earlier explosion. This stone is easy to overlook but interesting for visitors who want to discover the hidden history of the place.
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