Leuven tourist information
With its five hundred year old university and its open campus the city of Leuven is infused with an unmistakably student-oriented character. The place is swarming with students, keen scholars and partygoers alike, the latter having taken over the longest bar in the world, as the locals have affectionately nicknamed the Old Square or Oude Markt with its selection of over 60 cafés. This university town on the banks of river Dyle is also endowed with a number of historic architectural landmarks, by far the most outstanding of which are Sint-Pieterskerk (Church of St Peter) and the imposing Stadhuis (town hall), on the Grote Markt.
Take a stroll down Naamsestraat towards Begijnhof, the pedestrian street is lined with various old buildings which perfectly portray the history of the five hundred year old university. These include the Lakenhalle (Drapers' Hall) , which temporarily houses the rectory, and a little further, Sint-Michielskerk (Church of St Michael) featuring one of the most monumental church façades in Belgium.
You will also come across a number of equally noteworthy colleges. Probably the most impressive of all landmarks bearing witness to the university's intellectual past is the perfectly refurbished Van Dale college.
Leuven's Groot Begijnhof is among the most beautiful Beguine convents in Flanders. This site, totally free of traffic, has become a walker's paradise.
This magnificent architectural ensemble situated in Heverlee boasts a unique baroque church featuring a vast collection of paintings. The ceilings of its refectory and library are decorated with skilfully crafted bas-reliefs.
Summer brings no respite to the city of beer which lives up fully to its reputation. Top events include the original Beleuvenissen (Leuven at its best) in July and the summer music festival Marktrock, which sets the Oude Markt and the surrounding area into full swing between August 13 and 15.
The stately university library centrally located on Ladeuzeplein is a compelling attraction for book lovers. The building is also a silent witness to the dedication of the countless contributors who helped to restore Leuven to its former splendour in the aftermath of the ravages of World War I and World War II.
Leuven aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Leuven aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Leuven.
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