Leiden is famous for its history. Most notable is the brave defense by its inhabitants (Leienaars) during a siege by the Spanish army (early in the Sixteenth Century). On the third of October 1574, after months of hunger, illness and starvation, Leiden was finally released by the Dutch rebel army. The third of October (Leidens Ontzet) is still a day that is celebrated by the inhabitants of Leiden by an enormous fair in the centre. Not to be missed!! Tip: go by public transport; saves you a lot of headache!!!