Relive the siege of 1574 thanks to the regional (cycling) route “Traces of October 3”
In 2024, the Leiden region will celebrate and commemorate the 450th anniversary of Leiden’s liberation. The Spanish siege lasted a year and had devastating effects—not only on Leiden, but on the entire region, including Voorschoten. Villages were occupied, and churches, houses, and castles were demolished or burned down. During the “Traces of October 3” bike tour, this historic event comes to life thanks to 360° virtualreality.
The “Traces of October 3” bike route will be launched during the Open Monument Day weekend. Mayor Stemerdink will officially open the bike route in Voorschoten on Saturday, September 14, during the Voorschoten Weekend, with a festive ceremony.
Reliving the Past
Visitors can experience the past through sound and images at 26 historically significant locations in and around Leiden. Discover where fortifications or castles once stood, or take a 360-degree look around as if it were 1574. This is made possible by the latest virtual reality technologies. Together, all these points form a unique (cycling) route through the region. Not only will you get to know the beautiful surroundings, but also the stories hidden within them.
Time Travel by Bicycle
QR codes at the sites display digital reconstructions of structures that no longer exist, such as the military fortification in Oegstgeest, the burned-down Dorpskerk in Voorschoten, and the former Schans Lammen in Leiden. Other locations combine historical and modern images, such as at the site where the now-demolished Huis Te Zwieten Castle in Zoeterwoude once stood. Visitors can also explore the history of places like the village square in Voorschoten and the military camp in Leiderdorp.
More information
An up-to-date overview of the activities can be found here: . All stories and reconstructions along the route will remain accessible after September 14 via the (free) History5D app and atwww.sporen3oktober.nl.
Cooperation in the Region
The “Traces of October 3” project is the result of a unique collaboration between the 3 October Vereeniging, all municipalities in the region, and the Verborgen Stad Foundation. The project was made possible in part by a generous contribution from the Province of South Holland and the Mondriaan Fund. This project is supported by historical societies, museums, and archives in Leiden and the surrounding area.