You are standing before the Heilige Geestweeshuis (Holy Ghost Orphanage) of 1583. On the gate are an orphan boy and girl. This gate leads to a courtyard with the former girls’ and boys’ wings on either side. In the 17th and 18th centuries the orphanage was extended several times.

The size of the complex shows how many children were left behind as half or full orphans. They came from other cities too, even from Aachen and Liège, to learn a trade. The textile industry could make good use of them. Older orphan boys often learned a craft, and the girls acquired domestic skills. Orphans were still living here up to 1961. At present the complex houses an organisation for children’s rights and the Archaeological Centre of the Leiden Municipality.

Across the street the 17th century Lutheran Church lay hidden behind houses for more than 200 years. The official Calvinist state church did not allow people with a different faith to build prayer houses visible on the public highway. In 1866 the houses in front of the church were pulled down.