The City of Leuven

The city of Leuven (Louvain) grew during the 12th and 13th centuries into a major centre for trade and textiles as well as the political capital of the Duchy of Brabant. It is still today the capital or the Brabant province, but is best known as a university city with more than 27,000 students and a total population of 80,000. It is also the headquarters of the brewer Stella Artois.

Leuven is a lively city.

The city and university, KU Leuven, have experienced many periods of prosperity. The city hall, churches, cloisters and colleges stand in silent witness to those days and make Leuven the interesting place it is today, rich in historical buildings that radiate a magic all of their own. The presence of thousands of students, during the academic year, add a special vitality and dynamic to Leuven. But the many shops and boutiques, the scores of restaurants and snack bars, the almost countless cafés, pubs and sun-drenched terraces, create their own relaxing atmosphere in the city.

The Stadhuis (city hall) which dates from the mid-15th century, is breathtaking. It is described as “the most important example extant of flamboyant Gothic architecture” and visitors have no difficulty understanding why. There are many other outstanding examples of the city’s architectural heritage – the choir of ST. Quintin’s church, the tower of St. Gertrude’s, the Romanesque St. Peter’s, and the 17th century baroque church of St. Michael’s and its richly decorated west front.

Leuven city hall.

The university was founded in 1432. A centuries old relationship has existed between the university, KU Leuven, and the Irish College which was originally founded in order to provide access to the university for young Irish clerics. This long tradition of co-operation continues today with regular contribution by university academics to the Institute's programmes. In addition, the Institute regularly hosts international conferences organised by KU Leuven. The university's faculties, institutions and colleges have left their mark on the town in the form of over four hundred buildings. Some reflect a tasteful contemporary architecture, while others reflect the rich architectural past.

University of Leuven Administration building

The Van Dale College, for one is built in Renaissance style, while the De Valk, St. Adrian’s and Atrecht Colleges were built in the classicism of the 18th century. In the 19th century various neo-Gothic buildings were added. The formal procession of professors at De Valk College

The Van Dale College

The Groot Begijnhof ( Beguinage) The Begijnhof, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries has its origins in the crusades. Today it is like a town within a town with its walled-in cobbled streets and ancient houses, providing accommodation for visiting professors and post graduate students.

The Groot Begijnhof - A town within a town.