Masonic Temple Loge La Vertu – Leiden, Netherlands - Atlas Obscura
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Masonic Temple Loge La Vertu

Leiden, Netherlands

One of the oldest masonic temples in the Netherlands, built in 1757. 

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The Loge La Vertu. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
The Loge La Vertu. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
It is the oldest masonic temple in the Netherlands. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
Art in the lodge's interiors. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
The lodge is still active. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
It has around 65 members currently. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
Masonic artifacts. CoolCrab (Atlas Obscura User)
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Built in 1757 , Loge La Vertu is one of the oldest masonic temples in the Netherlands.

It started out as a student association but soon grew out to a serious branch of the illustrious Freemason order. Initial meetings were held at members’ houses and hotels, and then the lodge moved into their own premises.  

The building was all but destroyed during the Second World War, as the Germans banned all clubs that promoted free thinking. It was rebuilt after that and with a unique temple room on the inside, complete with triangular tables, candlesticks, a sword stand, and a glowing eye that always appears to be looking directly at you.

Today the lodge is still active, and has about 65 members, aged between 30 and 80. The members, on occasion, open the temple up to the public to show what the mysterious order is all about. 

Know Before You Go

The building is not open for visits apart from the yearly open monument day on the second weekend of September and an annual open day. So check the website before visiting!

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Nearby
De Leidse Zeemijn (Leiden's Naval Mine)
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0.12 miles
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