When traveling around Belgium, you should definitely look into the small town of Leuven. Tourists who find themselves here find themselves in a completely different world. A cozy provincial town with cute houses and cobbled streets, a huge number of attractions and historical sites, as well as a world of noisy students - all this is in Leuven. There can be no doubt: this city is a must-see.
Location
Leuven is a small town located in Belgium at a distance of 30 km from Brussels. It belongs to the province of Bratan. The port city stands on the river Dil, as well as on a large canal linking the city of Leuven (Belgium) and the river Scheldt.
How to get there
The way 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 by train, which runs regularly between the cities.
Climatic conditions
Weather in Leuven (Belgium)quite comfortable, the city is good for visiting at any time of the year. A temperate maritime climate prevails here, characterized by warm and mild but rainy winters. Summer in the city is not hot, usually a pleasant fresh wind blows, but rains are not uncommon, as in winter.
History
The first mention of Leuven (Belgium) dates back to 884. In ancient times, the city acted as a Norman camp. Since the 9th century, Leuven was the residence where 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 that time it was the center of trade and cloth production. The development of the city was very active. Unfortunately, the wars at the end of the 14th century led to the decline of the production process and caused stagnation.
Both world wars were a serious test for Leuven, as it was occupied by the 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.
Attractions
The city of Leuven (Belgium) has a huge number of attractions, historical sites, 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 foundedin 1425. At the moment, 35,000 students are educated there. With a total population of 90,000, students make up a full third of the city's population.
Educational buildings are scattered throughout the city, but moving between them does not take much time: mostly students and teaching staff use bicycles - the favorite means of transportation for all Belgians.
The interest of the guests of the city is the building of the university library and the bell tower. Anyone who wants to wander past the bookshelves on which old tomes are stored can get into the building. After visiting the library, you can climb the bell tower, which offers an unforgettable view of the city panorama.
An interesting sight of Leuven (Belgium), especially for those tourists who are interested in historical places, will be the Spanish Quarter. Here you can walk among the buildings of the 17th 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 river Dil, 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 back in 1738. Finding this place is easy: the garden is located near the central square of Leuven (Belgium). Notable is the fact that Leuven's Botanical Garden is the oldest in the entire country.
Formerly university students on its territorycultivated medicinal plants and medicinal herbs. In 1835, the garden came under the control of the city, after which its transformation began. Beautiful fountains, decorative plants, well-groomed alleys - all this delights tourists who were lucky enough to visit the Leuven Botanical Garden.
Incredibly beautiful Grotto Mark Square is one of the oldest places in the city. It was built around the same time as the famous University of Leuven. Along the perimeter of the square are Gothic buildings. Here you can relax, sitting on the cozy terrace of a small restaurant, as well as buy memorable souvenirs.
Locals hold various events and holidays on the square. During the Christmas holidays, a large holiday fair is organized here.
The most impressive building in the entire city is considered the City Hall. Its facade is decorated with 236 statues of people who in one way or another influenced the development of the city. During the war, 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 the Church of St. Peter, made in the Gothic style. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged during the Second World War. But thanks to the professional work of the masters, the church was restored. Here are exhibited 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 be 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 exhibition, 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 numerous avant-garde sculptures stand on its streets along the route of tourists. Perhaps the most famous is the monument-fountain "Fonkse". Someone thinks that it symbolizes the conscientiousness of students, according to others, the monument is dedicated to lovers of a good drink.
An original sculpture installed on one of the shopping streets of the city - a monument to the baker Dorra. It 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.
Traveling with kids
For tourists who travel with children, there are also many interesting places in Leuven. The Provincial Domein Kessel-Lo Park will be a great place for outdoor activities in the warm season. 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. You can also go for a bike ride or a family picnic in the park.
Vacation prices
Despite the fact that Leuvenis a student town, the prices here are quite high. So, lunch in a restaurant will cost about 2000 rubles. Renting a room in a decent hotel for the night will cost at least 6,700 rubles. Therefore, those planning to spend some time in Leuven need to carefully consider their budget.
Reviews of tourists
After studying 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 make it very interesting to spend time in Leuven 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.
