A walk around Leuven
The "rain" in Belgium is the city of Krakow. The second is Leuven. At least that is my idea of it. You may feel a bit uncomfortable if you come here during the rainy season. But then, when you remember walking through the city of exceptional beauty, you will want to return.
The city was founded by the Dukes of Brabant in AC XI. In medieval times was known for its skilled weavers, local and broadcloth was popular throughout Europe. In 1425 a university was founded here and has since been known as Louvain university town.
The other image is the city of Leuven brewery as it is here where the Stella Artois brewery and main offices. The city was badly damaged during World War II. However, there are things you see here. While many buildings were rebuilt, it does not seem quite "new". So let's start our tour.
Lovaina meets rain. From the eaves of the eaves, one arrives at Grote Markt, the Great Market Square, all chairs and tables covered with damp. Wet wet tourist attractions such as Sint-admired Pieterskerk (Saint Peter's Church), and Stadhuis (City Hall).
Some people call the town hall in Leuven the finest medieval building in the world. It was designed by three architects: Sulpitius Van der Vorst, Keldermans and Mathijs Layens - the last was responsible for the construction of the Gothic-style facade with many windows, adorned with statues, towers and pointed needles. A total of 236 statues here. This is a true portrait of the gallery artists, scientists and historical figures who played an important role in the city and the university of life. The building was destroyed in 1944 but was restored in 1962-1983 and is now publicly available.
The church of Saint Peter was a small Romanesque church, then rebuilt in a Gothic style. The church was ruined during the bombardment in 1944 and is still being restored. Look inside and find a bunch of photos here, including Sapientiae Locations - the Madonna with a somber face, the symbol of the University of Leuven. The main facade is adorned with beautiful watches also worth seeing.
Oude Markt, the old Market Square, next to the Grand Market Square. This place is really happy, a café square, where students like to gather after school. The sculptures are fun standing in the square: one is a scientist, the other is a man with a supply of water can sit on a bench.
Another prominent landmark is the San Antonio Chapel hidden in their houses with precision the beds of flowers and gardens. The church is quite simple, but nice to see: the walls are decorated with numerous windows and tablets dedicated to the saint. His search for himself as the interior of a lollipop.
Well, there - of the University. Founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V, this is not really the oldest university of Europe (this honor to the mountains of the University of Bologna). However, this is the oldest Catholic university in the world. First figure 4 only the university faculties and there were only 12 tutors who work there. Today 30% of the local population are students and tutors.
This architectural complex consists of medieval buildings and the San Miguel church, built in the 17th century. The Jesuit church, baroque-style facade is a true masterpiece. Do not miss a visit to the interior of the building to see their wooden statues.
Two steps of City Hall and will be standing in front of the University Library and its fabulous needle. The old library building is located at Naamsestraat next to the University, but was destroyed during the bombardments of 1914. The second library has another location.
Those are not only the university and the church that makes you remember Leuven. You'll also find a lot of fun and a little sad at times, monuments and sculptures in the city as the "eternal student" - Fonske, a car trapped upside down inside the wall, or a dog standing in front of the store, waiting for its owner. This makes the city a real architectural monuments, both animated and a little sad.
