01. Gemeenlandshuis Breestraat - Leiden

A national monument and one of the most beautiful buildings in Leiden. For the Hoogheemraadschap, this is an important historical location. In 1578 the building was purchased for the dike reeve and hoogheemraden of Rijnland. Since then it has served as a guesthouse and meeting place for the hoogheemraden and as a residence for the dike reeve.

The building, probably constructed in the fourteenth century, was in poor condition. Therefore, in 1590 the board even decided to sell the building. Eventually this decision was reversed and the building was thoroughly renovated. Rumour has it that this renovation was hindered by the quarrels between the Leiden city council and the Hoogheemraadschap taking place at the time. It could not be that the Gemeenlandshuis looked more beautiful than the town hall, which was only a stone’s throw away.

For centuries the board of the water authority was based here. In the 19th century the Gemeenlandshuis took on more of an office function and remained so until 1999 when the current office building at the Bio Science Park was opened. Nowadays the building is partly rented out to companies. Occasionally Rijnland also uses the Gemeenlandshuis itself for meetings and there are receptions and guided tours.