I know, I know. Just when you thought I'd finished it, here it is again. But seriously, did you notice that I showed everything except Leuven itself???? So, of course I need to end that early December trip with the one city we went to see: Leuven.
It was the main market square we wanted to see because of the 3 landmarks facing each other:
St.Peter's Church, the Town Hall, and The Fourth/Tafelrond Hotel.
Where to start? It was our first day and we wanted to see it all!
Though it was Sunday, we grabbed the church first, not knowing when it would close that afternoon.
St. Peter's Church is a Gothic church from the 15th century.
Notice the golden bell ringer near the top!
As large churches go, this one was light and elegant on a sunny day.
There were the statues, of course, but not inordinately so for a Roman Catholic church.
I was more taken by the placements throughout of votive candles for prayers...
...and was particularly moved by this alcove.
The oak pulpit was transferred to this church from the abbey in Ninove, 68 km away.
You know I'm going to say it: I wonder what Preacher Dad would think of it!
It so happens that after touring the church, we immediately crossed the square to see the Town Hall,
and discovered we could catch a tour of it in 5 minutes, which we did.
We don't normally take such tours because we're both inclined to wander off on our own,
knowing we can get the added information from the internet, right?
However, the only way to see inside this town hall is to take the tour.
So we decided to do it.
Like the church, this Town Hall is Gothic and built at the same time, in the 15th century.
Upon entering, this is what you see.
And then, wandering throughout, we saw all the "usual suspects" of town halls.
So much history, all related to Leuven itself.
So much history, all related to Leuven itself.
But what I most wanted to see was the wedding chamber.
In Belgium, as in the Netherlands, marriage is made official at the town hall, in the wedding room.
Can you imagine sitting around that table for your marriage ceremony!
On that note, it was time for our main meal of the day, somewhere on the square.
When we finished eating and walked back outside, it was a fairyland.
Remember that this was the end of November, getting ready for the Christmas holiday.
The Town Hall and The Fourth/Tafelrond Hotel took on new personas all lit up,
the Town Hall being the greatest spectacle of all, changing every few seconds.
But the church across the square stood stalwart against time and change,
ready to ring its bell on the hours as they passed us by.
It made a good impression on us at the start of our Sunday - Friday mini vacation.
It made a good impression on us at the start of our Sunday - Friday mini vacation.
One last post coming up, God willing and the creek don't rise, is another Leuven landmark:
the University Library.
the University Library.
