When traveling in Belgium, you should definitely look into the small town of Leuven. Tourists who find themselves here fall into a completely different world. A cozy provincial town with cute houses and cobbled streets, a huge number of attractions and historical places, as well as a world of bustling students - all this is in Leuven. There can be no doubt: this city is a must visit.
Location
Leuven is a small town located in Belgium at a distance of 30 km from Brussels. It belongs to the province of Bro. The port city stands on the Dil River, as well as on a large canal linking the city of Leuven (Belgium) and the Scheldt River.
How to get there
The path from the capital of Belgium - Brussels - to Leuven is only 30 km. The most convenient and budgetary way to overcome it is a regular bus. The fastest way to get to Leuven is to take a train that runs regularly between cities.
Climatic conditions
The weather in Leuven (Belgium) is quite comfortable, the city is good to visit at any time of the year. It is dominated by a temperate marine climate, which is characterized by warm and mild, but rainy in winter. Summer in the city is not hot, usually a pleasant fresh wind blows, but rains are a common occurrence, as in winter.
History
The first mention of Leuven (Belgium) dates back to 884. In ancient times, the city acted as a Norman camp. Starting from the 9th century, Leuven was the residence in which the counts of Flanders stayed, and then the dukes of Louvain.
According to some reports, the name of the city comes from the Flemish words, which in translation mean "swamp lights".
The period from the 11th to the 14th century is important for Leuven (Belgium). At this time, it was a center of trade and production of cloth. The development of the city was very active. Unfortunately, wars at the end of the 14th century led to a decline in the production process and caused stagnation.
Both world wars were a serious test for Leuven, since it was occupied by German invaders.
The city has preserved a large number of buildings from the Middle Ages, which tourists from all over the world come to see.
sights
In the city of Leuven (Belgium) there are a huge number of attractions, historical places, museums, parks and gardens that tourists from all over the world seek to see.
The city got its fame due to the fact that here is the oldest and most famous university in the country. The Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium was founded in 1425. Currently, 35,000 students are enrolled in it. Given that 90,000 people live in the city, students make up a third of the city’s population.
Educational buildings are dispersed throughout the city, but it does not take much time to move between them: mostly students and teachers use bicycles, a favorite means of transportation for all Belgians.
The visitors of the city are interested in the building of the university library and the bell tower. Anyone who wants to wander past the bookshelves that store ancient tomes can enter the building. After exploring the library, you can climb the bell tower, which offers an unforgettable view of the panorama of the city.
An interesting attraction of Leuven (Belgium), especially for those tourists who are interested in historical places, will be the Spanish Quarter. Here you can stroll among the buildings of the XVII century, built of red brick in the style of the late Middle Ages. This is a narrow quarter, located on the left bank of the Dil River, also known as the old castle of Aborg.
When the weather is warm in the city, all tourists are advised to visit the beautiful Botanical Garden, founded in the distant 1738. It is not difficult to find this place: the garden is located near the central square of Leuven (Belgium). Noteworthy is the fact that the Leuven Botanical Garden is the oldest in the whole country.
University students used to grow medicinal plants and medicinal herbs on its territory. In 1835, the garden passed under the control of the city, after which its transformation began. Beautiful fountains, ornamental plants, well-groomed alleys - all this causes delight among tourists who were lucky enough to visit the Botanical Garden of Leuven.
Incredibly beautiful, Grot Mark Square is one of the oldest places in the city. It was built around the same time as the famous Leuven University. Gothic buildings are located around the perimeter of the square. Here you can relax, sitting on the cozy terrace of a small restaurant, as well as buy souvenirs.
Local residents spend various events and holidays on the square. During the Christmas holidays, a large festive fair is organized here.
The most impressive building in the whole city is the city hall. Its facade is decorated with 236 statues of people who, in one way or another, influenced the process of development of the city. During the war years, the town hall was almost completely destroyed, but in 1983, after lengthy restoration work, the building acquired its former beautiful appearance. Near the city hall, tourists take the most photos in Leuven (Belgium).
Attracts the attention of tourists is the church of St. Peter, made in the Gothic style. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, she was hit hard. But thanks to the professional work of the masters, the church was restored. Here are displayed such masterpieces of world art of the 15th century as The Last Supper and The Martyrdom of St. Erasmus by Dirk Boots.
The main museum of the city of Leuven (Belgium) will become an interesting place to visit not only for adults, but also for children. Here is an extensive collection of works of art, antiques and everyday life of local residents.
After visiting the museum exposition, tourists can spend time on the beautiful terrace, which offers stunning views of the city.
Monuments of Leuven
The city is famous for the fact that on its streets along the route of tourists there are numerous avant-garde sculptures. Perhaps the most famous is the Fonkse fountain monument. Someone believes that it symbolizes the conscientiousness of students, according to others, the monument is dedicated to lovers to drink well.
The original sculpture installed on one of the city's shopping streets is a monument to the baker Dorre. He is especially liked by children who, during the game, try to take one of the loaves of bread from the baker from the tray on his shoulder.
Ride with children
For tourists who travel with children, there are also many interesting places in Leuven. The Provincial Domein Kessel-Lo Park is a great place for outdoor activities in the warmer months. It is located on the banks of the river. Here you can spend time on one of the playgrounds or in a hanging rope town. In addition, you can arrange a bike ride or a family picnic in the park.
Holiday Prices
Despite the fact that Leuven is a campus, the prices here are quite high. So, lunch in a restaurant will cost about 2000 rubles. To rent a room in a decent hotel for the night will cost at least 6700 rubles. Therefore, those who plan to spend some time in Leuven need to carefully consider their budget.
Tourists reviews
After examining the reviews of tourists about the city of Leuven (Belgium), we can conclude that this place is a must-see. The originality of the old European town leaves no one indifferent. A large number of attractions, green parks and gardens allows you to spend time in Leuven is very interesting even with children.
Guests of the city unanimously say that they will return to Leuven again at the first opportunity to walk along the cobbled streets and enjoy the atmosphere of the campus.