Attractions and Places To See around Beauvechain - Top 20

The Leuven town hall is usually identified with the richly decorated late Gothic wing on the Grote Markt. However, this is part of a larger complex that covers the entire block between the Grote Markt, Naamsestraat, Muntstraat and Boekhandelstraat. The various parts of the complex are arranged around a courtyard, the Vrijthof. On the east side is the oldest part of the town hall complex: the rear house, built by Sulpitius van Vorst and Jan II Keldermans between 1439 and 1445. The famous wing on the Grote Markt is the front house, built from 1448 to 1469 under the direction of Matthijs de Layens. The attached conservation house on the Naamsestraat was built in 1461. The southern half of the complex consists of more recent additions. On the Naamsestraat extends the Deanery of the Cloth Weavers, built in 1680 after the university had completely occupied the old cloth hall. The wing on the Muntstraat dates from 1938. The police station on the Grote Markt and Boekhandelstraat was built as a corps de garde in 1821-1822. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: City Hall of Leuven, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/42150

Leuven's town hall is generally identified with the richly decorated late Gothic wing on the Grote Markt. However, this wing is part of a larger complex that covers the entire block between the Grote Markt, Naamsestraat, Muntstraat, and Boekhandelstraat. The various parts of the complex are arranged around a courtyard, the Vrijthof. On the east side stands the oldest part of the town hall complex: the rear house, built by Sulpitius van Vorst and Jan II Keldermans between 1439 and 1445. The famous wing on the Grote Markt is the front house, built from 1448 to 1469 under the direction of Matthijs de Layens. The attached conservatory on Naamsestraat was built in 1461. The southern half of the complex consists of more recent additions. Along Naamsestraat extends the Deanery of the Cloth Weavers, built in 1680 after the university had completely occupied the old cloth hall. The wing on Muntstraat dates from 1938. The police station on Grote Markt and Boekhandelstraat was built as a corps de garde in 1821-1822. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Leuven City Hall, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/42150

The Oude Markt may have been known for decades – and longer – for its many drinking and eating establishments – and as the heart of Leuven's student nightlife – but it is indeed also literally the 'old market' in the literal sense. The Oude Markt was, in fact, the city's market center. From the 12th century onwards, the first town hall was located there, with the Bread and Grain House and the Cloth Hall nearby. When, in the mid-15th century, Mathieu de Layens built the current town hall and a new square, the "cleyn mercte", was laid out opposite St. Peter's Church, the first square was named "Grote Markt". Only from the 16th century onwards is there mention of "oude markt", while the more recent "cleyn mercte" was rather illogically renamed Grote Markt. Subsequently, the Oude Markt is sporadically mentioned as Graanmarkt and Parademarkt or Wapenplaats, as it was also used for military displays. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Oude Markt, https://id.erfgoed.net/themas/1040

Park Abbey in autumn.

Supposedly the longest pub mile in Europe.

Here we enter the Park Abbey heritage site with a story that began centuries ago in 1129. The Premonstratensians have inhabited the domain since then to this day. The site has been beautifully preserved and restored and is buzzing with activity. The building complex, including a tithe barn, a coach house, farm buildings and a guest quarters, is located amid green meadows and water. PARCUM, the Museum and expertise center for religious art and culture, is highly recommended. You will learn more about the impressive abbey history and you will also discover hidden heritage from churches, abbeys and monasteries. In Brasserie De Abdijmolen you can enjoy delicious food and the view of the ponds in the restored water mill. Who knows, during your passage you may be treated to the chimes of the Peace Carillon, the world's largest musical instrument located in the church tower of Park Abbey.

Leuven's Grote Markt is one of the oldest and most historic places in the city. The square has existed in its current form since the 14th century, when the Catholic University of Leuven was founded. Most of the buildings on the square were built in Brabant Gothic, including the monumental town hall. Other notable buildings on the Grote Markt are the Tafelrond and the Collegiate St. Peter's Church. The square is a busy tourist spot in Leuven, but is traffic-free.

The Leuven town hall is one of the most famous Gothic town halls in the world and is the pride of Leuven. The first stone was laid in 1439 and construction took thirty years under the supervision of three different master builders. The town hall is located on the Grote Markt of Leuven, opposite the late Gothic St. Peter's Church. Since the city services moved at the end of 2009, the city hall has only been used for ceremonies. The building is famous for its detailed architecture, including the 235 statues on the facade. In 2020, an agency was appointed to repurpose City Hall, and the work will continue until 2029.