Leuven |
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it lies in the south of the narrow strip of Flanders Brabant. It is its main city and former capital, seat of the Dukes of Brabant. Located 25 kilometers east of Brussels, Leuven has been historically an important center for the cloth trade. Nowadays, it delights with one of the most beautiful town halls in Belgium, charming Beguinage, historic tenement houses, churches and the oldest Catholic university in Belgium with 25 thousand students, thanks to which the city is vibrant with life.
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The old town center can be visited on foot with pleasure. It is marked by two adjoining squares. The wedge-shaped Grote Markt, on which you can admire two magnificent late Gothic buildings, the Church of St. Peter and the Town Hall, as well as the Oude Markt located right behind it, on which there are many restaurant gardens.
Town hall |
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The beautiful building on the Grote Markt gives the impression of being extremely light. It consists of three floors, covered with pointed Gothic windows. Above there is an attic gallery, above it a steep roof with four levels of dormer windows. At the corners of the roof there are four octagonal turrets with gaps allowing light to penetrate.
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The first stone for the construction of the town hall was laid in 1439. Initially, the work was carried out under the supervision of the architect Sulpitius van Vorst, who died shortly thereafter. Jan Kaldermans replaced him. After his death, in 1445, work was stopped. In 1448, construction was resumed, this time under the direction of Matheus de Layes. Eventually, the building was completed in 1469. The town hall was built in the Brabant, late gothic style. All 236 statues were added in 1850. The figures show 220 men and 16 women. Those on the first floor are important figures in the history of the city. The sculptures on the second floor are figures of patrons and symbolic figures. On the third floor there are sculptures of Counts and Dukes of Leuven from different ages.
The main facade has an entrance staircase leading to two portals, above which there are statues of St. Peter (left) and Madonna and Child (right). Despite the fact that the city suffered a lot as a result of both wars, the town hall survived. The bomb that fell on him did not explode. Inside the town hall, the sculptures by Coustantin Meunier and Jef Lambeux deserve attention. We also find here portraits of Leuven's mayors from 1794.
The main facade has an entrance staircase leading to two portals, above which there are statues of St. Peter (left) and Madonna and Child (right). Despite the fact that the city suffered a lot as a result of both wars, the town hall survived. The bomb that fell on him did not explode. Inside the town hall, the sculptures by Coustantin Meunier and Jef Lambeux deserve attention. We also find here portraits of Leuven's mayors from 1794.
Address:
Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven |
Opening hours:
friday, saturday, sunday: 16.00 |
Ticket price:
4 euros |
The church St. Peter (St. Pieterskerk) |
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it is the second great building on the Grote Markt, directly opposite the town hall. The construction of the church began in 1425. The temple, like the town hall built at the same time, was also erected in the initial phase under the supervision of three architects, successively works were carried out by Sulpitius van Vorst, Jan III Keldermans, Matheus de Layens. In 1458 a fire consumed two old Romanesque towers. In 1497 the church was completed.
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Joost Matsys, in the year 1505, had new ambitious plans to build three central spiers, rising to a height of 170 meters. This would make the church the tallest building in the world. However, because the foundations were too weak, the idea was abandoned. Today you can only admire the towers cut from above, rising above the entrance. The mock-up with the original design of the church is located in the southern aisle.
The church was built on a cross plan. It has an impressive length of 93 meters. In 1914, a fire caused the roof to collapse. The reconstructed roof is topped with a turret, which, unlike the 18th-century dome, is stylistically better connected with the rest of the church. In 1944, the northern part of the temple was completely destroyed by a bomb. In year 1998 a clock was added in the form of a human figure striking the hours. It is located at the top of the south transept, above the main south gate. Despite the damage that the church suffered during world wars, its interior houses a rich collection of works of art. Noteworthy is an intricately carved rainbow with the image of Christ and an oak, baroque pulpit brought here from the Ninove Abbey. Its main theme is Norbert's fall from his horse.
One of the oldest objects is the 12th-century wooden head, which is the only remnant of the cross that was burned during World War I. In the middle of the presbytery there is the tomb of Prince Henry I of Brabant, who died in 1235 (it is the oldest surviving grave monument of the ruling monarch in the country) and his wife Matilda (died 1211) and daughter Marie (died 1260). Also Godfrey II is buried in the church. In 1998 the presbytery and infirmary were transformed into a museum treasury. It is here that we can admire the most wonderful works of art. These are two triptychs by Dirk Bouts (1415-1475) of the Flemish primitivist (a student of Rogier van der Weyden), the Last Supper (1464-1468) and the martyrdom of St. Erasmus (1465). Bouts' magnificent paintings depict religious scenes filled with stiff, delicate figures, giving the impression of being overdue in stillness. Bouts' works were resold several times. Eventually, they found their way to the German museum. After World War I, Germany was forced to return the triptych. During World War II, they were taken to one of the salt mines, where they safely survived the turmoil of war.
Last Supper painted by Bouts called a painter of silence, it is an absolute masterpiece. He created them in the years 1464-1468. This is known for certain, because the Society of the Blessed Sacrament, on whose order the painting was created, made a contract. Leuven creates the background of the painting in which the scene takes place. Through the window you can see the Grote Markt and the construction of the town hall. The central image shows Jesus and his Apostles. Side panels show scenes from the old testament.
Last Supper painted by Bouts called a painter of silence, it is an absolute masterpiece. He created them in the years 1464-1468. This is known for certain, because the Society of the Blessed Sacrament, on whose order the painting was created, made a contract. Leuven creates the background of the painting in which the scene takes place. Through the window you can see the Grote Markt and the construction of the town hall. The central image shows Jesus and his Apostles. Side panels show scenes from the old testament.
Address:
Grote Markt, 3000 Leuven |
Opening hours:
monday-saturday: 10.00-16.30 sunday: 11.00-16.30 wednesday: closed |
Ticket price:
Church: for free Treasury: 7 Euro |
Groot begijnhof van Leuven
Big Beguinage in Leuven is one of the best preserved and fully restored Beguinage. Built in the southern part of Leuven on an area of 4,2 hectares has about 300 apartments in 100 houses. Beguinage extends on both sides of the river Dijle, which divides here into two channels, forming an island inside Beguinage. Three bridges lead to this part. Nowadays Beguinage is owned by the University of Leuven. It is used as a campus, especially for students and academic guests.
Beguinage was established in 1232. It was a peculiar city within a city. It was inhabited by unmarried women who wanted to worship God. They had about 100 houses, a church, an infirmary at their disposal. First gold age for Beguinage Leuven fell in the thirteenth century, then in the seventeenth century, when about 360 beguines lived there.
During religious wars, attacks by iconoclasts or the French Revolution Beguinage it was in a crisis like all religious institutions of that time. Private property was abolished, but beguines could still live in Beguinage. Civilian residents began to move into vacant buildings. The last beguine died in 1988.
Beguinage in Leuven it forms a small walled town with houses lined up along a network of narrow streets and squares. Five of them were built in the 16th century, three of them still have wooden beams. The oldest house in Beguinage is, dating from 1561 Chièvres, with a distinctive gable roof with dormer windows. Most of the buildings are from the years 1630-1670. They were built of red brick. In the 19th century, several houses were demolished and new ones were built in their place.
During religious wars, attacks by iconoclasts or the French Revolution Beguinage it was in a crisis like all religious institutions of that time. Private property was abolished, but beguines could still live in Beguinage. Civilian residents began to move into vacant buildings. The last beguine died in 1988.
Beguinage in Leuven it forms a small walled town with houses lined up along a network of narrow streets and squares. Five of them were built in the 16th century, three of them still have wooden beams. The oldest house in Beguinage is, dating from 1561 Chièvres, with a distinctive gable roof with dormer windows. Most of the buildings are from the years 1630-1670. They were built of red brick. In the 19th century, several houses were demolished and new ones were built in their place.
Church in Beguinage this is an early Gothic building with Romanesque elements. As usual with churches for women's gatherings, there is no tower here. In its place, at the top of the roof, there is a small signature (small church tower).
Above the northern entrance to the church are two Latin transcripts indicating the dates: 1234 (construction of Beguinage) and 1305 (building a church).
In 1998 a year Beguinage in Leuven joined along with 12 Beguinages from Flanders, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the charming streets Beguinage you can feel the atmosphere of bygone times. Being away from the hustle and bustle, in peace and quiet is the quintessence of relaxation.
Above the northern entrance to the church are two Latin transcripts indicating the dates: 1234 (construction of Beguinage) and 1305 (building a church).
In 1998 a year Beguinage in Leuven joined along with 12 Beguinages from Flanders, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the charming streets Beguinage you can feel the atmosphere of bygone times. Being away from the hustle and bustle, in peace and quiet is the quintessence of relaxation.
Address:
Schapenstraat, 3000 Leuven |
Opening hours:
Open daily |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
Little Beguinage
Leuven also has a small one Beguinage, were built in 1272, outside the old city walls, near the abbey of St. Gertrude. Small Beguinage has only one street with 30 houses. The last beguine who lived here died in 1855 a year. The church belongs to Beguinage was built in 1636, demolished in 1862. The infirmary in 1954 gave way to the Stella Artois brewery. In 2000, houses from Beguinage restored and sold to private individuals.
Address: Halfmaartstraat, 3000 Leuven / Free admission
Sint-Geertruikerk
Church of Saint Gertrude were built in the 13th-15th centuries. The church tower has an openwork spire considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of Leuven, also known as the spire without nails.
In 1796, during the French occupation, the abbey was closed. After World War II, the church was damaged, and the unique stalls were also destroyed. Fortunately, thanks to the photographs of the German officer, the sculptors recreated the stalls, restoring them to their former glory. These stalls are among the most beautiful works of art in Leuven.
There is a small beguinage next to the church of St. Gertrude. The newly renovated houses are inhabited by private owners.
In 1796, during the French occupation, the abbey was closed. After World War II, the church was damaged, and the unique stalls were also destroyed. Fortunately, thanks to the photographs of the German officer, the sculptors recreated the stalls, restoring them to their former glory. These stalls are among the most beautiful works of art in Leuven.
There is a small beguinage next to the church of St. Gertrude. The newly renovated houses are inhabited by private owners.
Address:
Halfmaartstraat, 3000 Leuven |
Opening hours:
1 april-30 september tuesday-sunday: 13.30-16.30 |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
St. Anthony's chapel |
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is visited by people from all over the world. In the crypt under the chapel is the grave of Father Damian, a great man who devoted his life to the care of lepers, on the island of Molokai, 100 km from Hawaii. Father Damian was beatified in 1995 a year. Then in 2009 he was canonized in Rome. Father Damian, brother of the lepers, rests in a crypt under the chapel of St. Antoni since 1936 a year.
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Resting place of Father Damian
Address:
Pater Damiaanplein, 3000 Leuven |
Opening hours:
monday-sunday: 9.00-18.00 |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
The church John the Baptist is in the Beguinage. Established in 1305, in the style of early Gothic. The building also has Romanesque elements. The temple does not have a tower, on its top there is only a small turret (small church tower) characteristic of churches for women's assemblies.
Address:
Schapenstraat w / n 3000 Leuven |
Opening hours:
01.04-30.09 tuesday-sunday: 13.30-16.30 |
Ticket price:
Free entrance |
Sint Michielskerk (church of St. Michael) considered one of the main Jesuit churches in Belgium. An impressive facade in the Baroque style, characterized as altar outside the church. The church considered one of the seven wonders of Leuven.
Address: Naamsestrat, 3000 Leuven
Address: Naamsestrat, 3000 Leuven
Sint-Kwintenskerk - church built in the Brabant Gothic style, in 1450. In the 19th century, a new one was built in place of the old tower, which still stands today. In 1937, by the king's decree, the church became a protected monument.
In 1970 a thorough renovation of the church took place. New stained glass windows, the creator of which was Michael Martens, were also installed. Inside, you can admire the Last Supper by John Willems from 1521. In addition, a number of works created by Caspar de Crayer and John-Joseph and Peter-Joseph Verhaghen.
Address: Naamsestraat 160, 3000 Leuven
In 1970 a thorough renovation of the church took place. New stained glass windows, the creator of which was Michael Martens, were also installed. Inside, you can admire the Last Supper by John Willems from 1521. In addition, a number of works created by Caspar de Crayer and John-Joseph and Peter-Joseph Verhaghen.
Address: Naamsestraat 160, 3000 Leuven
University Library occupies the south side of the large Monseigneur Ladeuzplein square. It was built in 1920 in the Flemish Renaissance style, mainly thanks to American donor funds. Inside and outside the building are the names of 300 American institutions that influenced the creation of the library. The carillon on the library tower has 63 bells and is the largest in the country. It is a gift from 16 American engineering associations. The library in Leuven has about three million volumes.
Address:
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Monseigneur ladeuzeplein 21, 3000 leuven
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Oude Markt student life is concentrated on this square. Well-kept buildings, full of cafes and bars (there are about 40 here) are filled with students and tourists. Concerts and other events take place here.
Stella Artois Brewery based in Leuven is the largest brewery in Belgium. Every Saturday and Sunday you can visit it, learn the secrets of brewing beer and taste the different types of beers produced here.