- Address: Grote Markt 1, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Phone: +32 16 29 51 33
- Foundation date: 15th century
- Height: 93 m
- Working hours: 10.00 - 16.30, Sunday 11.00 - 16.30
The Gothic St. Peter's Cathedral in Leuven ( Belgium ) was founded in the far 15th century. Restoration work in some parts of the church is still ongoing. We'll tell you in more detail about what you can see here.
What to see in St. Peter's Cathedral in Leuven?
First of all, I want to note that, despite the destruction, the temple still preserved works of art. So, among them I want to highlight two paintings by the Flemish painter Dirk Bouts, a representative of the primitives of the 15th century:
- "The Last Supper" (1464-1468);
- "The torment of St. Erasmus" (1465).
Also inside the temple, to the left of the altar, is the creation of Nicolaas de Bruyne (Nicolaas de Bruyne) - a Madonna with a baby in her arms, seated on the throne of wisdom (Sedes Sapientiae). It was created in 1442. It is worth noting that this image became the emblem of the Catholic University of the city. At the same time, here is the gravestone of the Dukes of Brabant, among them the tomb of Henry I is the oldest in the country. Also in the cathedral once were buried the Duchess of Brabant and her daughter.
If we talk about the facade of the building, then it is decorated with a watch, next to which is a golden figure of a man who, at certain hours, beats a small hammer on the bell. The cathedral tower is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly, it was originally planned to build the world's tallest building, but the church top was too heavy for it, and therefore the architects had to give up this idea.
How to get there?
The Leuven Rector De Somerplein zone B can be reached by public transport , including one of the following buses: 3-9, 284, 285, 315-317, 333-335, 337, 351, 352, 358, 370- 374, 380, 395. It is worth noting that the entrance is free, but a visit to the museum-treasury costs 5 euros.
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