Leuven (Louvain)
Leuven (Louvain in French) is the capital of the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. In the middle ages, Leuven was known as the centre of clothmaker's trade. Now it's famous as university city with a bustling nightlife. Leuven has the oldest university of the 'Low Lands'; it was established in 1425.
Leuven has numerous sights and pleasant squares, such as the Oude Markt with its many cafes and the Grote Markt with the magnificent city hall and the St. Peter's church. On the nearby square Fochplein is a fountain depicting a student who's got water running through his empty head. In popular speech, the fountain with this empty-headed student is named Fonske. The Groot Begijnhof is one of the largest beguinages in Flanders.
Leuven is not only a city to go out in; the shopping is excellent as well. The main shopping streets are Diestsestraat, Mechelsestraat and Bondgenotenlaan. On the square Fochplein, nice shops can be found as well. On Friday and Saturday you can visit one of the markets in the city.
