The first legalised brothel

In 1892 a first legalized brothel was opened in Leeuwarden. It was right here, in this building. It was the first legal brothel in The Netherlands! All the women working there were examined, to find out if they had any venereal diseases, so that those would not spread. This was needed because contraceptives, like condoms, were forbidden to use. They said that brothels were necessary and that it would only be better if it was regulated instead of done in secret. Some people though did not agree with this. They said that if men did not want venereal diseases, they just should not go to brothels. So, from 1892 till 1902 this place was a brothel, after that, it became a ‘normal’ bar. Nowadays, as you can see is not even a bar, it’s an advice company for infrastructure. Luckily, we have a new red-light district on the other side of the city center of Leeuwarden. I will guide you through it later in the tour.