Guardian of the gravestones: the feline resident of Begraafplaats Groenesteeg in Leiden {Netherlands}
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Will you be visiting Leiden, a historic city in the western part of the Netherlands, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Amsterdam?

If so, your first stop should be Begraafplaats Groenesteeg. This 19th century cemetery not only makes for one of the area’s prettiest walks in nature; it also has a four-legged gatekeeper: a cat.

begraafplaats groenesteeg

About Begraafplaats Groenesteeg

An oasis of peace

Once you step through the gates of Begraafplaats Groenesteeg, you are embraced by an oasis of peace. The lush green surroundings, with stately brown beech trees and peaceful paths, create a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation and introspection.

Along the water’s edge, you find plants such as wolf’s-foot, marsh thorn, three-petalled grouse, and yellow lisp. In the drier places grow such plants as spearweed, finger hellebore, forsythia, and elder, while flutewort is abundant throughout almost the entire cemetery. All this flora, together with the sometimes richly lichen- and moss-covered grave ornaments, make the cemetery a very special and worthy “green lung”, right in the center of the city of Leiden.

The place invites you to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this special place.

A stroll through history

Begraafplaats Groenesteeg has a rich history dating back to 1813. It served as an alternative to Leiden’s churchyards, which became overcrowded after the pest epidemic of 1635. The cemetery now contains 1149 graves in which 4973 people are buried.

During your walk through the cemetery, you will discover remarkable architectural features, ranging from beautiful gravestones and monuments to graceful mausoleums. The variety of architectural styles, such as Gothic, neoclassical, and art nouveau, is a feast for the eyes and a testament to the craftsmanship of that era.

Here, rest notable individuals who have had a lasting impact on the history of Leiden. You can explore the graves of famous scientists, artists, writers, and visionaries who have left their mark on the city, as well as learn about their achievements, their legacy, and how they have contributed to the cultural and intellectual development of Leiden.

Guided tours amongst the graves are available for those who want to know more.

begraafplaats leiden

The enigmatic cat that calls the cemetery home

While strolling through Begraafplaats Groenesteeg, you may encounter a special resident: the cemetery cat.

This feline is a bit of a mystery – nobody seems to know exactly where she came from, or who her owners might be.

But that doesn’t stop her from making herself at home among the tombstones. In fact, she’s become something of a fixture at Begraafplaats Groenesteeg, with many regular visitors coming specifically to see her. Some people even bring her treats and chicken filet, which she happily accepts.

She’s impossible to miss as she makes her rounds through the gravestones, especially when she starts rubbing herself against visitors’ legs while following them around the cemetery. Once in a while, however, she sneaks away to chase after some geese.

Some visitors say that she has a calming effect and that they feel comforted by her presence as they pay their respects to loved ones who have passed.

leiden groenesteeg

Purring pest control

Begraafplaats Groenesteeg is just one of the many graveyards where cats feel at home.

That’s largely because cats have historically been kept there for pest control purposes.

With their open spaces, vegetation, and potential food sources, cemeteries can attract rodents such as mice and rats. These pests can cause damage to graves and their surrounding structures by burrowing or chewing through materials like wood, cloth, or flowers. By keeping cats in graveyards, their presence alone can act as a deterrent to rodents, helping to protect the integrity of the burial grounds. Because they are natural hunters and have the instinct to catch and eliminate small rodents, they are helping to control the rodent population.

With cats around, the graves are in good paws.

 

Check out some other graveyards with cats

leiden begraafplaats

General information

Address: Groenesteeg 126, 2312 SR Leiden, Netherlands

Opening times: Visits are available year-round from 08:00 am to 05:30 pm.

Will you visit this kitty which has found her home at the cemetery? In return, she will provide comfort and love.

begraafplaats groenesteeg leiden

Photos by Catspotting Leiden

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