Saint Peter’s Church, Leuven

Saint Peter’s Church, Leuven (must see)

With roots dating back to 986, Saint Peter’s Church ranks among the oldest churches in Leuven. However, its original structure succumbed to flames in 1776, paving the way for the construction of the present-day edifice. The current building, erected shortly thereafter, emerged as a grander and more expansive testament to the town's devout community. In recognition of its historical and architectural importance, Saint Peter’s Church, along with its belfry, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Within the hallowed walls of Saint Peter’s Church, visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of artistic treasures and religious artifacts. One of its most celebrated works is ‘The Last Supper’ by Dieric Bouts, a masterpiece of Flemish Primitive artistry. Painted nearly 600 years ago, this iconic artwork adorns the church's chapel, captivating viewers with its timeless beauty and spiritual resonance. Additionally, Bouts' ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus’ and the 'Edelheere Triptych' further enrich the church's artistic legacy, offering glimpses into the rich cultural heritage of Leuven.

Innovative technology enhances the visitor experience at Saint Peter’s Church, with the introduction of mixed reality through hololens. This cutting-edge technology allows visitors to immerse themselves in a world where art comes to life. By donning the hololens, viewers can witness spectacular 3D images and animations overlaid onto the physical environment, offering a unique perspective on the church's masterpieces.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leuven. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Saint Peter’s Church on Map

Sight Name: Saint Peter’s Church
Sight Location: Leuven, Belgium (See walking tours in Leuven)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Leuven, Belgium

Create Your Own Walk in Leuven

Create Your Own Walk in Leuven

Creating your own self-guided walk in Leuven is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Leuven Introduction Walking Tour

Leuven Introduction Walking Tour

Nestled in the heart of Belgium, the picturesque town of Leuven has no shortage of historic and cultural attractions. Its name is thought to originate from the Old Germanic word "Loven," meaning “to love or praise”, an explanation of which may be found in the Leuven slogan, “Always praise God.”

Leuven's roots date back to 891 when it was first mentioned after a Viking...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Leuven Monuments and Statues

Leuven Monuments and Statues

Leuven, Belgium is a city steeped in history and culture, embellished with an assortment of monuments and statues that mirror its abundant heritage. Ranging from age-old landmarks to contemporary sculptures, each of them narrates a tale and contributes to the city's distinct allure. Whether paying tribute to historical luminaries, commemorating artistic triumphs, or simply enhancing the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles