Old Market Square

Adelaide
Adelaide
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3 out of 5
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2
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Old Market Square

  • June 26, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Adelaide from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Oude Markt (Old Market) is a large square surrounded by those marvelous multi-windowed houses characteristic of Flemish architecture. As its name suggests, it served as a marketplace, but now is a place to go if you want to relax and enjoy your evening, a glass of beer or wine, or some food. On Fridays, one can also enjoy live music, sitting outside of one of at least 30 bars, restaurants or pizzerias. And don't forget that Leuven is the home of Stella Artois, one of Belgium's most famous breweries.

Nearby you can find "De Kotmadam" (The Landlady), the statue of a woman on a bench holding a teapot. She is as typical for Leuven as the "Manneken Pis" is for Brussels.

From journal Leuven, a belgian surprise

Saint-Peter's Church

  • June 26, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Adelaide from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Saint-Peter's Church is the oldest in Leuven. It was presumably founded in 986. The first church burnt down in 1176. A new Romanesque church was built with a crypt and an extension at the back of the choir. The construction of the present Gothic building, much larger than the Romanesque church, started in 1425. It was designed by the same architects of the Town Hall.

Of the three towers that were planned, one of which should have reached a height of 170 meters, only the bases remain. In 1541 when the height of 50 meters was reached, work was stopped. The subsoil was not stable enough to support a higher tower. After some collapses, the tower was lowered to its present level. The successive architects did not change the original plans and this brought about a fine example of pure Brabantine Late Gothic Style. The church was severely damaged in both World Wars. In 1914 the roof and nave burnt down and in 1944 the north aisle suffered bomb damage.

For pictures of the church, check this website.

From journal Leuven, a belgian surprise

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