Saint James’ Church, Leuven

Saint James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) is a fascinating historical site in Leuven, dating back to the early 13th century. Originally constructed in Romanesque style, the oldest surviving part of the church is the central tower, which likely dates from 1220–1235. This tower is one of the few remaining examples of late Romanesque architecture in the city and has earned its place among the Seven Wonders of Leuven. A unique feature of the church is the Devil’s Bell "Duivelsklokje", which hangs outside the tower, making it the only church in Belgium with such a curious distinction.

Initially located 300 meters outside Leuven’s first city walls near the Biestpoort gate (modern-day Brusselsestraat), the church began as a 12th-century chapel serving the small village of Ter Biest. It was first recorded in 1187 and became a parish church in 1252, one of the city’s original five medieval parishes. In 1454, the church gained collegiate status, reflecting its growing importance.

The church underwent significant expansions during the 15th and 16th centuries. The transept, established in 1488, was designed by Matt Layens, the master architect of Leuven’s iconic Town Hall. Inside, Saint James’ Church boasts 18 altars and a wealth of neo-Gothic sculptures and woodwork, though access is restricted due to the building's structural instability.

A notable stop for pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela, Saint James’ Church was part of the medieval route connecting Cologne, Maastricht, Brussels, and Paris. A pilgrim’s guesthouse, the Saint Laurentius Gasthuis (Sint-Laurentiusgasthuis), once stood nearby, serving travelers in the 13th century.

Another remarkable feature is the "Tower of Holy Sacrament," which housed the Sacrament of Miracles, a revered relic obtained by Augustinian monks in 1380. Following the upheavals of the French Revolution, the relic was transferred to Saint James’ Church in 1803, which remains an integral part of its spiritual and historical heritage.