Saint Michael’s Church, Leuven
Constructed between 1650 and 1671 under the guidance of Jesuit architect Willem Hesius, Saint Michael's Church was initially intended as a place of worship for the Jesuit College of Leuven. The Jesuit community, founded by Ignatius de Loyola in Paris in 1540, found its way to Leuven in 1542, where it established its presence and began laying the foundation for Saint Michael's Church.
Reflecting the grandeur of Baroque architecture, Saint Michael's Church is often regarded as a masterpiece of the Jesuit style. Drawing inspiration from the illustrious Il Gesù Baroque Church in Rome, the church stands as a testament to the artistic and spiritual prowess of its creators. Despite its intended dome remaining unfinished, the church's facade stands as one of the renowned "seven wonders of Leuven," adorned with intricate decorations and ornate detailing that captivate the eye of beholders.
Rich in historical artifacts and original Baroque furnishings, such as the copper holy-water font dating back to 1473 and the frontal facade resembling an altar, the church offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past and architectural splendor.
Today, Saint Michael's Church continues to stand as a symbol of faith and cultural heritage, welcoming visitors from near and far to marvel at its awe-inspiring beauty and immerse themselves in its rich history.
Reflecting the grandeur of Baroque architecture, Saint Michael's Church is often regarded as a masterpiece of the Jesuit style. Drawing inspiration from the illustrious Il Gesù Baroque Church in Rome, the church stands as a testament to the artistic and spiritual prowess of its creators. Despite its intended dome remaining unfinished, the church's facade stands as one of the renowned "seven wonders of Leuven," adorned with intricate decorations and ornate detailing that captivate the eye of beholders.
Rich in historical artifacts and original Baroque furnishings, such as the copper holy-water font dating back to 1473 and the frontal facade resembling an altar, the church offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past and architectural splendor.
Today, Saint Michael's Church continues to stand as a symbol of faith and cultural heritage, welcoming visitors from near and far to marvel at its awe-inspiring beauty and immerse themselves in its rich history.
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.
Saint Michael’s Church on Map
Sight Name: Saint Michael’s Church
Sight Location: Leuven, Belgium (See walking tours in Leuven)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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
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'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, 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles