Leuven

Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst for knowledge or just your thirst, Leuven is the ideal place. This youthful town is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, and history is ever present. A few lucky students and faculty even have the distinct privilege of living in the 13th century stone beguinage selected as a world heritage site by UNESCO. And where there are students... there is beer, and Leuven is Belgium’s reigning brew capital – no mean feat in a country that produces hundreds of delicious varieties.

The university, one of the oldest and most important in Europe, has its roots in the center of Leuven, and its historic college buildings dominate many of the squares and streets. The university and its 28,000 students and professors have a special tie with Leuven, which has existed since the university’s foundation in 1425.

Leuven is the headquarters of Inbev, the second largest brewery in the world, famous for Stella Artois beers. Centuries of Flemish tradition and craftsmanship lie behind Leuven’s premium brews.

Leuven is a place for the inquiring traveler with time to explore. Anywhere in Leuven can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle in this intimate town. For the most notable sites see Leuven Highlights below.

Leuven Highlights
Town Hall Built between 1448 and 1463 form the profits of the cloth trade, Leuven's town hall was erected in the Grote Markt. It was designed to demonstrate the wealth of the city's merchants.
St. Peter's Church This massive church was built over a period of 200 years from the 1420's. Today it houses the Religious Art Museum which has three exquisite paintings by Dieric Bouts.
Grote Markt This charming cobblestone square is marked by a tasteful ensemble of brick buildings, cafes and restaurants which are frequented by the town's university students.
Groot Begijnhof Founded around 1230, Leuven's Groot Begijnhof was once one home to several hundred beguines. Today the red brick cottages have been converted into student dorms.
The University of Leuven One of the oldest and most important in Europe, its historic college buildings dominate many of the squares and streets.
Interbrew and Stella Artois The history of Stella Artois is closely connected with the history of Leuven. Around the turn of the century the brewing of the golden Pilsbeer of low fermentation was started up at Artois. In 1926 the brewery brought a barley beer onto the market and called it with the name 'Stella', the Latin word for 'Star'.