Leuven
Things To Do
Leuven is probably most well known to beer lovers as the beer capital of Belgium or perhaps even the whole world. The enormously successful Stella Artois beer is brewed here and it’s possible to take a tour of the brewery, which has formed an imporant part of the city’s history for century. Originally known as Den Horn (The Horn), the brewery was established in the 14th century and by the 15th century was the largest commercial concern in the city. From the early 18th century it was managed by the Artois family, who passed on their extensive brewing knowledge down through the generations. The Stella Artois barley beer was first brewed in 1926 and is now one of the biggest selling beers in the world.
Leuven has a strong religious heritage and there are several interesting abbey buildings that are worth a visit. These include St Gertrude’s, Keizersberg, Vlierbeek and the Park Abbey. The Municipal Museum Vander Kelen-Mertens is a former 19th century mansion housing extensive collections of artefacts from ancient archaeological periods up to the 19th century and gives a fascinating insight into the history and lives of the people of Flanders. It’s set in beautiful gardens which can also be visited.
The National Scouts Museum in the chapel of the former St Gertrude’s Abbey is an interesting exhibition of the history of the scouting movement in Belgium. It contains old uniforms, badges, flags and photographs.
Leuven has a strong religious heritage and there are several interesting abbey buildings that are worth a visit. These include St Gertrude’s, Keizersberg, Vlierbeek and the Park Abbey. The Municipal Museum Vander Kelen-Mertens is a former 19th century mansion housing extensive collections of artefacts from ancient archaeological periods up to the 19th century and gives a fascinating insight into the history and lives of the people of Flanders. It’s set in beautiful gardens which can also be visited.
The National Scouts Museum in the chapel of the former St Gertrude’s Abbey is an interesting exhibition of the history of the scouting movement in Belgium. It contains old uniforms, badges, flags and photographs.