University Library and Bell Tower, Leuven (must see)
The University Library was designed by the American architect Whitney Warren in a neo-Flemish-Renaissance style, and built between 1921 and 1928. Its monumental size is a reflection of the Allied victory against Germany, and it is one of the largest university buildings in the city. The library's collections were rebuilt with donations from all around the world, outraged by the barbaric act which it had suffered.
In 1940, during the second German invasion of Leuven, the building largely burnt down, including its 900,000 manuscripts and books. The blaze is thought to have started in an exchange of fire between the two armies, rather than a deliberate act. The building was rebuilt after the war in accordance with Warren's design.
In 1940, during the second German invasion of Leuven, the building largely burnt down, including its 900,000 manuscripts and books. The blaze is thought to have started in an exchange of fire between the two armies, rather than a deliberate act. The building was rebuilt after the war in accordance with Warren's design.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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University Library and Bell Tower on Map
Sight Name: University Library and Bell Tower
Sight Location: Leuven, Belgium (See walking tours in Leuven)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Leuven, Belgium (See walking tours in Leuven)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
Famous Architecture Walk
For tourists looking to find the most remarkable Medieval buildings in the world, they should just visit Leuven. The town is the seat of the most impressive architecture in all of Belgium, the imposing University Library and the splendid Town Hall, which is home to numerous early Flemish figures. Take this tour and admire the beauty of Leuven architecture.
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Leuven Introduction Walking Tour
Leuven can proudly boast a number of great landmarks that offer extraordinary scope for sightseeing. The city of Leuven is marked by two beautiful squares, the Ladeuzeplein, basically the most famous attraction and the Fochplein, where the magnificent Fonske can be found. This orientation walk is the best opportunity to discover Leuven's most interesting attractions.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles