A little background and history of Leiden

Leyden or Leiden is one of the oldest cities in Holland. It is situated on the so-called Old Rhine which flows through the city. Its municipality has about 120,000 inhabitants. The city is located 20 km away from The Hague to its south (about 15 minutes by train) and 40 km away from Amsterdam  to its north (20-30 minutes by train).

In the 16th century, the city was besieged by the Spanish.After a partial relief, the siege was continued as a blockade until 3rd of October. The people of Leiden were starving and weak because of diseases and the Spanish almost conquered the city. However, the people of Leiden managed to prevent the conquest on 3rd of October 1574. Liberation of the city also known as Leidens Ontzet or the Relief of Leyden is celebrated vehemently today. William the Silent, Prince of Orange offered a reward to the citizens for their sacrifice for the city. They would either be exempted from paying taxes for a number of years or a university would be established. They chose the university and the University of Leiden had been established in 1575. On 4th of October, the rebels arrived at the city and gave citizens herring (which is in fact raw fish) and white bread. 'Hutspot' was also given on that day which is carrot and onion stew. It is said that  an orphan boy found a cooking pot with hutspot in it left behind by Spanish when they. Today, the cooking pot can be seen in the museum.