History

Few churches in the Netherlands can boast on such a long and impressive (building) history as the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The church was founded in 1121 as a court chapel dedicated to the Saints Peter and Paul and from there grew to the present form which it reached in the 16th century.  But the architectural work on the building did not end there.

A monument of such size as the Pieterskerk requires constant maintenance. Over the centuries, there have been numerous restorations and renovations, the most extensive restoration taking place in the recent years.

The history of the Pieterskerk has always been closely linked with that of the city of Leiden and Leiden University. Many important milestones in our national history are celebrated or commemorated in the beautiful setting of this important city church. The opening of Leiden University (in 1575) started with a service in the Pieterskerk,  and the annual celebration of the Liberation of Leiden (Leidens Onzet) yearly takes place here.