Leuven
General Summary
Leuven (Louvain in French), is capital of the Flemish Brabant province and lies approximately 20 kilometres east of Brussels. It’s a university town, and its Katholieke Universiteit, established in 1425, is one of the world’s oldest universities.
Although founded in the 9th century in a strategic location by the River Dijle, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Leuven began to develop as an important trading town. This is when most of the key buildings in the city were built. As with other Belgian cities, Leuven’s main industry was cloth, and when this fell into decline in the 14th century, so did the city. However, it saw a resurgence of its golden age in the 15th century when the university was founded. This was short lived, however, as Leuven suffered the fate of many other Belgian cities from the 16th century onwards as a result of religious wars and foreign occupation. Many institutions, such as monasteries and the university, were closed down or moved to Brussels. It wasn’t until Belgium gained independence in 1830 that the city that Leuven started to prosper again, as its university status was restored and the brewing industry quickly established Leuven as the beer capital of Belgium. One of the world’s most famous and enduring beer brands, Stella Artois, is brewed just outside the city.
Leuven was equally unlucky during both World Wars, when the vast majority of its historic buildings was destroyed. Much of what visitors see today has been painstakingly reconstructed, with rebuilding work continuing into the 1960s. Nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful city with a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to its large student population.
Although founded in the 9th century in a strategic location by the River Dijle, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Leuven began to develop as an important trading town. This is when most of the key buildings in the city were built. As with other Belgian cities, Leuven’s main industry was cloth, and when this fell into decline in the 14th century, so did the city. However, it saw a resurgence of its golden age in the 15th century when the university was founded. This was short lived, however, as Leuven suffered the fate of many other Belgian cities from the 16th century onwards as a result of religious wars and foreign occupation. Many institutions, such as monasteries and the university, were closed down or moved to Brussels. It wasn’t until Belgium gained independence in 1830 that the city that Leuven started to prosper again, as its university status was restored and the brewing industry quickly established Leuven as the beer capital of Belgium. One of the world’s most famous and enduring beer brands, Stella Artois, is brewed just outside the city.
Leuven was equally unlucky during both World Wars, when the vast majority of its historic buildings was destroyed. Much of what visitors see today has been painstakingly reconstructed, with rebuilding work continuing into the 1960s. Nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful city with a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to its large student population.