Pieterskerk, Leiden

My husband and I attended the annual Thanksgiving Day service here, and it was truly special. The service is organized by **Overseas Americans Remember** and co-sponsored by the U.S. Embassy along with other American expat organizations. The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Joseph Popolo attended—he had only presented his credentials to the King about a month earlier, making this one of his first major public events. This is a **non-denominational, ecumenical service** featuring a Catholic priest, Protestant ministers, a rabbi, and a cantor—truly welcoming to people of all faiths and nationalities. It starts at 11:00 AM on Thanksgiving morning, lasts about an hour, and is free to attend. We loved watching the children's procession dressed as Pilgrims, and the musical performances added to the atmosphere. What makes this service so meaningful is the history: The Pilgrims lived in Leiden from 1609 to 1620, worshipping and recording their births, marriages, and deaths here at the Pieterskerk. Their minister John Robinson is buried in the church. Nine U.S. presidents descend from the Leiden Pilgrims, including the Bush family (who trace their ancestry to Francis Cooke, a Mayflower Compact signer). As Americans, we learned so much we didn't know about this overlooked chapter of our history. If you're an American expat in the Netherlands or visiting around Thanksgiving, this service is an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday in the very place where it all began.

Beautifully maintained old church. We were given an information booklet which was very interesting and helpful in identifying the important graves and art of the church. The pipes of the organ are gorgeous. We were able to find Snellius’ and John Robinson’s graves as well as the interesting tombstone of the Boschuysen couple. We could have poked around much longer but had to exit due to an event. We were allowed to enter with our packs, there are toilets and a cafe.

Nice but not spectacular. Main reason for visiting was to see the stage that photographer Erwin Olaf used in ‘the Leidens ontzet’ photo used. Beautiful light and a impressive history. Not to forget the the unmarked family grave of Rembrandt van Rijn is here as well. Entrance price is 6euro per person. When purchasing 2 tickets you will receive a small book with information about the history. Entrance via the cafe.

It’s a nice church to visit. I stayed for about 10 minutes, but I wasn’t as impressed as I usually am when visiting the beautiful churches in France or Italy.

Leiden is gorgeous lots of history and museums to see

Walking into Pieterskerk in the heart of Leiden felt like stepping into a quiet echo of centuries. The massive Gothic arches and stained-glass windows overwhelmed me, not with grandeur, but with this solemn dignity. It’s not just a church. It’s a time capsule. This was the church of the pilgrims, the early English separatists who lived in Leiden before sailing to the New World. This was their spiritual home from 1609 to 1620. William Brewster, one of the leaders, lived just around the corner, and there’s even a street named after him now. But Pieterskerk is older than the Pilgrims by a few hundred years. It was founded in the 14th century and named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of Leiden. You can feel the weight of history in the worn stones beneath your feet. It’s the kind of place where you catch yourself whispering without realizing it. What struck me most was how deeply intertwined the Pilgrim story is with Dutch history. At that time, the Dutch Republic was one of the most tolerant places in Europe. While much of the continent was still drowning in religious wars, the Netherlands had become a refuge for free thinkers, artists, scientists, and yes, religious exiles like the Pilgrims. It’s no wonder they came here. There’s a quiet display inside the church about the Pilgrims, and outside, a plaque marks their presence. But this church also witnessed other layers of Dutch history. The University of Leiden, founded just steps away, was a beacon of knowledge during the Dutch Golden Age. Rembrandt studied in this city. The same city that welcomed the Pilgrims also birthed some of the greatest minds and artists of the 17th century. Today, Pieterskerk is no longer a working church, it’s more of a historical and cultural venue. They hold concerts, exhibitions, and lectures here. But its soul remains intact. Paying 6 euros per adult for Pieterskerk does seem a bit on the higher side for a church visit, especially when compared to the 4 euros per adult in Haarlem, where you may get a similar historical and cultural experience at a lower price. Well, the fees typically go toward maintaining these historic buildings, supporting the local community, and preserving the artifacts inside… If you’re in Leiden, don’t skip this place. It’s not just about the Pilgrims. It’s about what Leiden once stood for: tolerance, resilience, and a quiet kind of revolution in thought.

With over 900 years of history, the shear presence of this building is remarkable let alone the associated history including members of the Mayflower. I was the first in on Sunday morning and the girl at the cafe was extremely helpful and friendly. The church is really amazing and the size of it is simply overwhelming

Pieterskerk in Leiden is a breathtaking, historic church that beautifully showcases Dutch Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 14th century, this former church is now a cultural landmark and event space, filled with intricate stained glass and majestic arches. Interestingly, it also serves as a unique and somewhat peculiar location for Leiden University’s student exams—a surreal experience to sit under centuries-old vaults while taking a test! With graves of notable figures like Pilgrim Fathers leader John Robinson and a stunning organ, Pieterskerk is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers alike.