The Morspoort is one of the two gates of Leiden that remain in modern times, although there were many more in the Middle Ages. Its name originates from the word “morass”, which was used to describe the marshy meadow area that was the western part of Leiden in the past. While it is an impressive sight today, the people of the past were greeted with the bodies of hanged criminals and the cupola was once used to house prisoners.

This gate is linked to a drawbridge with exceptional Dutch engineering behind it, and has an octagonal shape with a striking cupola. You can enjoy sitting near the water’s edge and simply admiring the old structure, or stop by the gate as you cycle past it to enjoy the quaint area, with its picturesque alleyways and cafés.