This canal, Rapenburg was dug not long after 1200 to provide the still young city of Leiden with good defences. In the 17th century it became one of the principal and most fashionable canals in the city. Rich merchants and celebrated professors lived here in imposing mansions. According to some 18th-century geographers Rapenburg was the most beautiful spot on earth!

Rapenburg 25, on the corner, was built in 1654 for Johannes Thysius. It is one of the finest examples of the Dutch classicist style. Thysius was a wealthy and learned man. On his death he left a large legacy, which made it possible to preserve his extensive library. The unique Bibliotheca Thysiana thus comprises a complete 17th-century book collection in an original interior.

At this time Leiden was a city of books as well. Thanks to Leiden university the publishers and printers, such as the Elzevier family, flourished. Books were printed in Leiden which were forbidden elsewhere in Europe. They included the work of the Italian scientist Galileo and the books by the French philosopher Descartes. The latter lived at Rapenburg 23 in 1640.