Leiden’s citadel is one of the city’s most distinctive monuments. A walk along the battlements of the citadel will give you a unique view over Leiden and its historic sights. The man-made mound – or motte – on which the citadel stands dates from 1150, making it older than the city itself. In the course of the Middle Ages the citadel lost its military role. When the municipal council decided in 1651 to buy the mound and the building, it became a town park, which it still is today.