Masters of Imagination

Step over the threshold at Park Abbey, and you walk into 900 years of history. In 1129, the Norbertines received a piece of land here so that they could establish an abbey. This order was driven by contemplation, labour and poverty. Although you would not guess that third ideal of poverty from the rich stucco ceiling in the refectory, crafted by master Jan Christiaan Hansche. Nice to know: Park Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in Europe.

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900 years is a long time. So we’re sure you can find a couple of hours to enjoy one of the beautiful walks on the domain? The 10 perspectives walk, for example, where - as the name suggests - you see the abbey and its surroundings from its 10 most beautiful sides.

By the way, did you know that the abbey site is still a bustling place today? Be sure to visit Hoevewinkel De Wikke, located in the historic tithe barn. This farm shop sells a wide range of organic vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

Before entering this late Gothic 15th century church, make a small diversion to Dirk Boutslaan and take a look at the construction. Did you notice that the towers were never finished? This was because the ground was unsuitable; lacking sufficient bearing capacity for the heavy stone.

In the beautifully restored church - recognised in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - you are in the right place for a sensory experience. This is the home of numerous top items, including some masterpieces by Dieric Bouts - a ‘genius painter’ as M Leuven describes the Flemish primitive.

Speaking of M Leuven: that museum is just a stone’s throw away. On their website, you can find all information about the programmes in St Peter’s Church.

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Want to add the perfect finishing touch to this Master Tour? Then book a guided tour, discover Dieric Bouts’ masterpiece Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament with a hololens, or follow the family trail and unlock all the secrets of St Peter’s Church together with your children or grandchildren.

Interested in seeing more of Bouts’ work and stretching your legs at the same time? Then the brand new Bouts cycle route is just what you are looking for.

While the Norbertines of Park Abbey took a vow of poverty, the residents here chose a different path. Since the early 13th century, St Gertrude’s Church and the abbey of the same name have been home to a community of prosperous canons. You see this in the stunning church building, an eye-catcher in the Leuven cityscape. The interior is filled with splendour, with the Late Gothic choir pews, crafted by master Mathieu de Waeyer, as the highlight.

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In the shadow of St Gertrude’s church lies the picturesque Small Beguinage, where the women who served in the abbey lived. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the church’s stone spire, dubbed ‘one of the seven wonders of the city of Leuven’.

St Gertrude’s Church is the starting point for the Cycle route along the Leuven abbeys. This fascinating bike ride takes you past Vlierbeek Abbey and Keizersberg Abbey and other notable sites.

Interested in a trip into the past? Then step into the Great Beguinage, and you are immediately transported back to the 13th century. It is here that you will find the Church of St John the Baptist, a masterpiece of early Gothic architecture, the construction of which spanned more than 100 years. Restoration work in the 1970s uncovered some beautiful murals. Can you spot The parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins, from the gospel according to Matthew?

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Not ready just yet to return to the 21st century? Then spend a night at the Begijnhof Hotel - your dream base for exploring Leuven.

‘This is Leuven’s most beautiful church,’ wrote Justus Lipsius. The famous humanist was impressed by the successful architectural whole and the elegant, stately form of St Quentin’s Church. You can admire a unique building: The Last Supper by Jan Willems. This imposing altarpiece is the only preserved painting by the Flemish master.

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From stately to serene. Just in front of St Quentin’s Church, there is a small chapel, Jesus in ’t Steentje. Enjoyment of the silence and tranquillity is the motto here. You will not find a better place to light a candle, for whatever reason.

Since the 17th century, this church has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of pilgrims. They worship the saints Marculf, Catherine, Cornelius and Barbara here. The well-known Flemish Baroque painter Pieter-Jozef Verhaghen illustrated the rich history of St Amand’s Church in two altar paintings.

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Pieter-Jozef Verhaghen received many commissions from abbeys, churches and other religious institutions around Leuven. This is the reason why Jesus on the Mount of Olives hangs in St Quentin’s Church. In the Church of St John the Evangelist at Park Abbey, you can even admire an entire cycle of his work.

This modest parish church houses a magnificent hidden gem: the Sacrament Tower, attributed to the renowned Renaissance artist Cornelis Floris II De Vriendt. This unique masterpiece is more than seven metres high and has over 100 architectural components. In short, your visit to St Catherine’s Church will definitely be worthwhile.

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Near the church is the source of the St Sulpitius spring, a popular pilgrimage site for farmers since the 14th century. The water is said to cure foot-and-mouth disease. But even if you do not have any ailments, you can safely take a sip.