Leuven is the capital of the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. It is a major university city with one of the most beautiful historic centers in Belgium.

Leuven Attractions and Activities
The main attraction of Leuven is the “Great Beguinage”—an old settlement of members of the Beguinage religious movement. They were most widespread in the Netherlands and Flanders. This enormous beguinage is located in the southern part of Leuven, forming an entire historic quarter with dozens of streets. It is now used as a university campus.

Leuven Town Hall
Leuven Town Hall is the city’s landmark. It was built between 1448 and 1469 in the Brabantian late Gothic style. The ground floor of the Town Hall houses an exhibition of sculptures by artists, scholars, and other famous citizens. The second floor features sculptures of the Counts and Dukes of Brabant. The inner chambers of the Town Hall are open to the public for weddings and other official ceremonies.

St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is considered the oldest church in Leuven. The original church was built in 986, but it burned down in 1176. After the fire, it was replaced by a new Romanesque church, which was later replaced by a Gothic church. Construction of the current Gothic building began in 1425.

Botanical Garden
Be sure to visit the Botanical Garden, the oldest in Belgium. Its history began in 1738, when the University of Leuven founded the first botanical garden for medical students. It was later expanded, and in 1819, a second botanical garden was opened on the site of a destroyed Capuchin monastery. Today, the garden is home to nearly 800 different plant species.