Masonic Temple Loge La Vertu – Leiden, Netherlands - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Masonic Temple Loge La Vertu

Leiden, Netherlands

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

View all photos
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)
29
169
Top Places in Leiden
Museum Boerhaave
Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden Observatory
Leiden, Netherlands
Einstein's Sink
Leiden, Netherlands
 See All

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!

freemasons masonic temples secret society
Nearby
De Leidse Zeemijn (Leiden's Naval Mine)
0.10 miles
Leiden's Floating Christmas Market
0.11 miles
Museum Depot
0.12 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
De Leidse Zeemijn
Leiden, Netherlands

De Leidse Zeemijn (Leiden's Naval Mine)

The remnants of a WWI naval mine that once terrorized the country now decorates a street.
Leiden, Netherlands

Leiden's Floating Christmas Market

A market built atop boats is one of the few floating holiday markets in Europe.
Museum Depot.
Leiden, Netherlands

Museum Depot

Unknown to many, this is where items not displayed in a Dutch history of science museum are held.
The plaque, hidden behind chairs.
Leiden, Netherlands

Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory Plaque

A plaque hidden in the law faculty at Leiden University honors the first scientist to make liquid helium.
Related Places
Cheltenham, England

Masonic Hall

One of the oldest Masonic buildings in England, and still in use today.
International Temple of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Washington, D.C.

International Temple of the Order of the Eastern Star

Obscure Freemasons still live in D.C.’s largest private residence.
The House of the Temple.
Washington, D.C.

House of the Temple

This imposing Masonic temple a mile from the White House was the first public library in Washington, D.C.
Statue of George Washington
Alexandria, Virginia

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

This stately building in Alexandria, Virginia was built by Freemasons to honor one of their most famous members.
Appears in 1 List
List

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.
Kavya Ram Mohan July 6, 2017
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web