Discover the charm and peaceful Leiden Canals. Built in the 17th century, the main canal was originally a 6-kilometre moat, used to protect the city from possible attacks from outsiders. These moats are some of the largest fortifications in Europe and haven't really changed their design since their original construction. Here you can immerse yourself in the typical Dutch lifestyle elegant docks where boats are anchored and graceful trees that decorate the edges of the canals where the locals like to take strolls or sit and relax by the water.