Overview:

Leuven Town Hall, also known as Stadhuis, is a grand building in Brussels, Belgium, located in the historic Grand Place. The building was constructed in the late 13th century, and is renowned for its symbolic importance in the city and the nation. The Town Hall was once the seat of the Leuven government, and today still serves as the main administrative building of Leuven. The building is a unique part of the Grand Place and the city of Leuven, and is a popular landmark for tourists visiting the area. The Town Hall is an eye-catching building in the Grand Place, with its decorative towers, turrets, and balconies. The Town Hall is also home to numerous works of art, including the stained glass windows of the northern façade which was created in the late 17th century. Today, the Town Hall is also home to the city’s tourist information center, providing visitors with useful information and guidance regarding the attractions and activities available in the area. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic Revival Style: Built from 1518-1536 in a Gothic revival style, the Leuven Town Hall combines aspects of northern and southern Gothic architecture. 2. Gothic Bell Tower: The bell tower, or belfort, reaches 81 m high and serves as a landmark for the city. On top of the bell tower is a statue of the patron Saint of Leuven – St. Peter. 3. Neo-Renaissance Style: The front door of the town hall, designed by Henri Beyaert, was replaced in the late 19th-century with a classical portico featuring Neoclassical sculptures. 4. Mural: The inner courtyard of the Town Hall is decorated with a mural titled “The Allegory of Companies”, by Paul Dubois. 5. Statues: Two statues flank the entrance to the Town Hall, one of the assassinated mayor Jules Piston, created by Jordaens, and a statue of King Albert I, created by the same artist. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

Leuven Town Hall, or the Stadhuis van Leuven, as it is known locally, is a stunningly beautiful building that dates back to the 14th century and has been the civic heart of the city ever since. Located in the central market square of Leuven, the Town Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Belgium. The Town Hall of Leuven has its origins in the late 13th century when it was built by Dirk Van Heers, Count of Leuven, as the administrative and justice center of the city of Leuven. While the exact date of completion is unknown, it is estimated to have been around the year 1290. The building originally featured traditional half-timbered facades with long vertical wooden columns, and a sloping roof visible from the outside. This style of architecture was common in the area during this period. In the 15th century, the Town Hall underwent some changes. The wooden exterior was replaced with massive stone walls, which still act as a protective barrier against the elements today. The bell tower was also added around the same time, making the Town Hall even more formidable and giving it its current iconic presence on the square. The Town Hall of Leuven was largely unchanged until the 19th century, when it went through a long period of refurbishment. The roof was replaced, a new Neo-Gothic entrance was installed and a lavish Golden Room was created for important events. During the 20th century, the Town Hall was refurbished once more and many of the original elements were restored. Today, the Leuven Town Hall is a stunningly beautiful building that continues to be the civic center of the city. Although it is most often used for official events and celebrations, it is said that the Town Hall of Leuven also holds great historical value for the city as it is rich with stories of its past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Leuven Town Hall is the oldest civic building in the country, having been built in the 14th century. 2. The Town Hall tower is 103 m high and was the tallest civil building in the world when it was built in 1448. 3. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its cultural, architectural and historical significance. 4. The Town Hall is the seat of the city’s government, and all administrative decisions for the city are taken here. 5. The building gets its unique octagonal shape from being built on the ruins of an old church. 6. The facade of the building is decorated with the coats of arms of the dukes of Brabant and the city. 7. At the highest room in the tower is the belfry, where bells signal the time and celebrate important events. 8. During World War II, the building was damaged due to bombings and shelling, but it was later restored and is now fully functional. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era