Leiden, Leiderdorp

Some 2000 years ago, an impressive Roman border fort, Castellum Matilo, stood on the site of today's Archaeological Park Matilo. This fort guarded the northern border of the mighty Roman Empire, the Limes. Today, you can almost feel the history in the park: walk the high earthen ramparts, admire the watchtowers and let the extraordinary ‘line sculptures’ take you back to those times.

In Matilo, two worlds met: the Cananefates, as the locals were called, lived in harmony with the nature around them. The Romans, on the other hand, turned their gaze to the horizon and shaped the landscape to their will. These two cultures learned from each other, just as people do today. In the park, you will get a glimpse of this fascinating interaction, with both groups adopting each other's customs and changing their worlds.

Along the way, enjoy the beautiful nature, mills and meadow birds in the Munnikkenpolder and Achthoven polder. For children, there is an adventure play hill in the Ghoybos.