Overview:

Leuven Old Market Square, Leuven In Belgium is a public square, located in the center of Leuven, the capital of Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. It is arguably one of the most beautiful and historically significant public spaces in the country. The size of the square is impressive. The historic Old Market Square is set in the centre of the old city. The streets that lead to the square are flanked by many buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as some remains of the town wall. At the center of the square stands the imposing City Hall, built in the Gothic style. Other surrounding buildings include notable historic churches and buildings. It is also the home to the once famous Het Pand cultural center, which is now closed. Taking a stroll through the square and the streets that lead to it, one can get a good feel of the historic charm of Leuven. The Market Square Leuven, along with the Grand-Place in Brussels, is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the country, and deservedly so. It is a popular tourist destination and considered to be one of the most essential pieces of the city center. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Tourist Hot Spot: Leuven Old Market Square is a tourist-friendly location in Leuven, Belgium. It is an important historic site and the largest public square in the city. 2. Old Town Charm: The square is a center of old-town charm, with buildings constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. The cobblestone layout along with the surrounding architecture make for a great atmosphere for visitors. 3. Historic Architecture: Amongst the most notable features of the square are the architecture of the Rathaus (Town Hall), the Beguinage, and the 17th-century Guildhalls. All of these buildings create an impressive visual composition that cannot be missed. 4. Leuven Town Hall: The iconic Leuven Town Hall is one of the main attractions in the square. It is a beautiful building constructed in the Gothic style, built in two levels and decorated with monuments, statues and stained glass windows. 5. St. Peter's Church: Located at the eastern side of the square, St. Peter's Church is a recognizable landmark that visitors should not miss. It was built in a Gothic style in the 13th century and its façade is well-preserved. 6. Shopping and Eating: You will find many shops and restaurants around the square. You can experience the best of Leuven's everyday life while browsing the shops and restaurants, and enjoying Belgian merchandise and specialties. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Leuven Old Market Square, or Grote Markt, is located in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. The square is surrounded by the Leuven Town Hall, the Oude Kliniek (Old clinic) and the Flemish Brabant Provincial Court. The square is popular among tourists due to its cobbled streets, outdoor restaurants and colorful old buildings. The Leuven Old Market Square has a long and vibrant history. The square was first developed in the 13th century as a part of the early medieval city of Leuven. It was the center of much of the city’s commercial activity and was even home to the annual fair. The square was remodeled in the 16th century to reflect the city’s shift from a medieval town to a more modern city. During this time the square was improved to make it more accessible for merchants, resulting in its cobblestoned streets. This change also created the opportunity for new developments in the area such as cafes and restaurants. Throughout the centuries the present square struggled with the pressures of modernization. In the 19th century the city decided to de-cobble the square for modern telecommunications and mass transit networks. Fortunately, the city decided to follow its original plan and successfully reconstructed the square to its former glory in 1998. Today, the Leuven Old Market Square is one of the most popular squares in the city. It has been used as a popular venue for music festivals, outdoor markets, and much more. The square is an important historical site and continues to be a vibrant setting and reminder of Leuven's medieval past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Leuven Old Market Square has been around since the 12th century and is now one of the oldest open spaces of the city. 2. The town hall stands in the centre of the square and was very influential in the area’s history. 3. The statue of Lambertus located in the centre of the square is said to represent justice and a strong city. 4. The central fountain is a combination of a 19th century construction and a copy of an 18th century one. 5. The granite fountain, designed by Joseph Goossens, has outstanding ornamental decorations. 6. The buildings surrounding the square and the Vismarkt are filled with unique traditional features such as historic arches, ornate facades, quaint chimneys and turrets. 7. Throughout the year, the square hosts the city's major events and festivals such as concerts, Christmas markets, and beer festivals. 8. Leuven Old Market Square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era