Leuven

The city was first mentioned in the IX century (in 891) in the Fulda Annals , when the ancient Roman fortress in the valley of the Dale , called in Latin Luvanium , was captured and plundered by the Vikings .

From the 11th to the 14th century, Leuven developed as an important shopping center. Later, the city gained fame due to linen clothes, which in the XIV-XV centuries bore the name "levin" ( lewyn ). The clothing trade fell into decay at the end of the fourteenth century.

University Center

Thanks to the strong influence of the old university (1425-1797), which was considered the best in Europe until the sixteenth century ^[1] , Leuven blossomed again. The first Leuven University was founded by Jean IV Brabant , who received the sanction of Pope Martin V , and is now recognized as one of the oldest universities in the world. In 1679, the city was given the city shopping arcade, built in 1317. After the French Revolution , with the advent of the French in 1797, it was closed, but restored 20 years later ^[1] .

The establishment under him of a special philosophical college ( collegium philosophicum ) for the formation of future priests was one of the reasons for the Belgian revolution of 1830 . Deprived of state support in 1834, the university since 1835 was kept by bishops and became known as Catholic . In 1893, there were 83 associate professors and, including the agricultural, polytechnic, arts, industry, and construction departments — 1,630 students living in 4 colleges ^[1] .

In 1968, a conflict between the Dutch and French-speaking communities led to the separation of the Leuven Catholic University . Francophones moved to the new building in the city of Louvain-la-Neuve (“New Louvain”) in the province of Walloon Brabant . Now almost 30,000 students study at Leuven Catholic University, more than 10 percent of whom are foreigners from 100 countries.

Brewing Center

Since the 18th century , the brewing industry began to develop in the city: as early as 1764, there were 52 breweries in Leuven. Thanks to brewing traditions , and more precisely to the Stella Artois variety, Leuven then gained worldwide fame. In the 20th century, after the merger of Stella Artois with the Pidboeuf brewing company from Wallonia , Interbrew was born - one of the largest brewing companies in the world.

XX century

Leuven was badly damaged during the two world wars.

At the beginning of World War I in August 1914, German artillery razed Leuven to the ground as punishment for shelling German soldiers by the Leuvens. The city was set on fire, the university campus and the richest library were burned down, most of the city center was completely destroyed. In the Entente countries , the fate of Leuven became a symbol of "Teutonic barbarism."

During World War II, the university library burned down again, and when Leuven was bombed by Allied aircraft in the spring of 1944, many historic buildings were damaged. The city had to be almost completely reconstructed and carefully restored ancient buildings according to old drawings.

• Leuven Town Hall ( Stadhuis )

Leuven Town Hall ( niderl. Stadhuis van Leuven ) - one of the main attractions of the city. The building of the town hall was built in the years 1440-1469 in the style of the late drum Gothic Next to the church of St. Peter. The facade of the town hall is richly decorated with architectural decorations, statues. In total, 236 statues are a portrait gallery of artists, scientists, historical figures who played a significant role in the life of the city and the university. Biblical scenes are carved on the brackets.
In the 19th century, the town hall was restored, but in the 20th century, world wars caused significant damage to the building. If during the First World War the destruction was relatively small, then after the Second World War repair work continued until 1983. Currently, indoor spaces are available for tourists - there you can see paintings by local artists and four works by Belgian sculptor of the XIX century Constantine Meunier .

• Collegial Church of St. Peter ( Collegiale Sint-Pieterskerk )

Church of st. Petra is located on the Great Square, opposite the city ​​hall , and is the oldest temple in the city. The construction of the present Gothic church lasted between 1425–1496. It is known that before her in this place in 986 there was a wooden church, built in the Romanesque style , but burned down in 1176. The temple is famous for a large number of treasures and works of art, a museum of religious art was even created in it. The treasury of St. Peter keeps the work of painters of the XV century., Including “The Last Supper” and “Martyrdom of St. Erasmus” performed by Dirk Bouts . It also contains a copy of Rogier van der Weyden 's work, Descent from the Cross . The bell tower of the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

• Big Beginage ( Groot-Begijnhof )

Beginage is a town in the city, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. In the 17th century, about 300 runners lived there - women who led an almost monastic lifestyle, but lived independently and provided for themselves. Beginage, with several dozen houses, has retained its authentic appearance. In 1998, the Big Beginage, along with 12 other Flemish Beginages, was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site ^[2] .

• Grote Markt Square

The ancient square, surrounded by works of architecture of the XV — XVI centuries, is located in the historical center of Leuven. In summer, various events are organized here: weekly music concerts and fairs, where restaurants present their various dishes.

• Botanical Garden ( Kruidtuin )

The Botanical Garden was founded by Leuven University in 1738 and is considered the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. Initially, healing herbs were grown here, but later it began to be used as a scientific botanical garden. Today, about 800 plant species are represented in the garden.

• Church of St. Michael ( Sint-Michielskerk )

The Church of St. Michael is built in the style of the so-called "Jesuit Baroque " and is known as one of the "seven wonders of Leuven."

Laura Gruseneken - Belgian singer, representative of Belgium at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest .

• Leuven House
• Leuven administrative district

• Louvain // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - SPb. , 1890-1907.

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• Russian Belgium (Russian)
• Tourist portal (Russian)