Historic city center Special stories

The charming city center of Leeuwarden exudes history. In 1435, the three terps Oldehove, Nijehove, and Hoek were merged to form Leeuwarden, which also received city rights that same year. The city was favored by the House of Orange-Nassau and served as the capital of Friesland from 1584 to 1747. As you walk through the old city center, you’ll encounter one remarkable building after another.

The Oldehove

When you visit Leeuwarden, you definitely shouldn’t miss the city's icon, the Oldehove. The Oldehove has stood here since 1529 and is even more tilted than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! You can admire it from both inside and outside. The lift, installed in 2011, takes you to the first floor, and from there you’ll have to conquer the spiral staircase to reach the roof. Go for it! Once at the top, you’ll have a stunning view of the city.

The Oldehove
De Kanselarij

De Kanselarij was built between 1566 and 1571 as the seat of the Hof van Friesland. After that, the building served as a hospital (1814), barracks (1814-1824), a house for civil and military insurance (1824-1892), and even as a museum. Until 2013, it was one of the buildings of the Fries Museum, until it moved to its new location at Wilhelminaplein. Today, it is a breeding ground, a place where education, business, and government come together.
De Waag

De Waag was always the center of trade. This building was constructed around 1595 in Renaissance style. Merchants were required to have their wares weighed at De Stadswaag. A reliable weighing facility was essential for trade and, consequently, beneficial for the city's prosperity. In Leeuwarden, butter was primarily traded, which is why De Waag was known as the butter weighhouse. De Waag on Nieuwestad was in use until 1880, but nowadays, you can enjoy sitting on the terrace!

De Waag
Centrale Apotheek

This fantastic jugendstil—also known as art nouveau—pharmacy is among the top 100 of Europe’s most beautiful buildings, and for good reason! Built in 1905, this monument is perfectly maintained and is still used as a pharmacy to this day. Anyone visiting Leeuwarden should certainly not miss this remarkable city view.
De Blokhuispoort

On the edge of the city center stands a very special building, De Blokhuispoort. This former prison from the 16th century is reflected in every detail. Where once the tough guys were housed, you now find a hostel, creative entrepreneurs, small shops, a library, and two restaurants.

De Blokhuispoort
Courtyards and almshouses

Want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a moment? Then take a stroll to the hidden courtyards and almshouses in the city center: Luilekkerland, Boshuisengasthuis, and Sint Anthony Gasthuis. You’ll find an oasis of tranquility here; it feels as if time has stood still.
De Prinsentuin

De Prinsentuin was established in 1648 as a pleasure garden for the House of Nassau and as a tribute to the end of the Eighty Years' War and the Treaty of Münster. It wasn’t until 150 years later, by order of King William I, that the park was opened to the public. Today, De Prinsentuin is an essential meeting place. From concerts and festivals to peaceful walks or relaxed picnics, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find a restaurant—De Koperen Tuin—and one of the most beautiful harbors in the Netherlands!

De Prinsentuin

Museumhuis van Eysinga: 18th-Century Residence

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Grote of Jacobijnerkerk
Grote of Jacobijnerkerk
The Grote of Jacobijnerkerk is the oldest and, from an architectural point of view, the most important church in Leeuwarden.

Church
De Utrecht
De Utrecht
A hidden gem in the middle of downtown Leeuwarden. Built in 1904 in art nouveau style, crammed with sayings, lavishly decorated and full of symboli...

Architecture
Achmea Tower
Achmea Tower

Architecture
Historic Centre Leeuwarden
Historic Centre Leeuwarden
The HCL is the centre for Leeuwarden's historical heritage. Thousands of linear meters of historical documents, from the Middle Ages to the present...

Heritage
Oldehove
Oldehove
The Oldehove has been standing since 1529 and is leans even more than the Tower of Pisa! You can admire it from the inside as well as outside. The...

Observation point
Old Burger Weeshuis
Old Burger Weeshuis

Heritage
Blokhuispoort
Blokhuispoort
The Blokhuispoort is a cultural business-centre in the lively centre of Leeuwarden. Housed in a former prison, it is now full of creative initiativ...

Heritage
Sint-Bonifatius Church
Sint-Bonifatius Church
The church is named for the heavenly Saint Boniface. It was built in around 1882/4 in Leeuwarden to designs by the architect P.J.H. Cuypers.

Church
Museumhuis van Eysinga
Museumhuis van Eysinga
Huis van Eysinga is an impressive 18th-century city villa that was inhabited by the family of one of the most significant men of its time: Frans Ju...

Heritage
Waalse Kerk (Walloon Church)
Waalse Kerk (Walloon Church)
The Waalse Kerk is a single-nave church dating from 1530. The church is located in the Grote Kerkstraat and is a national monument.

Church

Leeuwarden: Roots of the Royals

Famous, beloved, and the matriarch of our royal family. Maria Louise of Hesse-Kassel, Princess of Orange-Nassau (1688-1765), played an undeniable role in the establishment of our Royal House. The roots of the Royals can be found in Leeuwarden: to this day, the city exudes grandeur. Visit the historic city center and immerse yourself in the royal world of Maria Louise. Start with a visit to the former city palace, where not only Maria Louise has her roots but where the world-renowned graphic artist M.C. Escher was also born.

Visit the Princessehof