Plizio Visual Lab

Town Hall

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Town Hall of Leuven is one of the world's most famous and ornate Gothic buildings, standing as a supreme example of Brabantine Late Gothic architecture. Constructed between 1439 and 1469 under the direction of architects Sulpitius van Vorst, Jan Keldermans II, and Matheus de Layens, the building is often compared to a delicate stone reliquary. Its facade features three tiers of intricate carvings and six slender towers that pierce the sky. The 236 statues currently adorning the exterior niches were added in the mid-19th century, depicting local scholars, historical figures, and biblical characters. The interior is equally impressive, housing lavish halls decorated with period tapestries and portraits of former city officials, reflecting Leuven's historical importance. Despite sustaining damage during both World Wars, the structure was meticulously restored to its original splendor. Located on the Grote Markt, directly opposite St. Peter's Church, it remains the primary ceremonial and administrative center of the city.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Sint-Pieterskerk · Vrijheidsboom · Leuven Town Hall
Nearby: Aarschot (15 km)
Population: ~101.032 (2023)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	3	6	10	13	17	19	18	15	11	7	3
Rain mm	69	61	55	38	59	63	75	79	55	63	69	78

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Leuven Town Hall is a public building that can only be visited inside on guided tours. The magnificent façade with 236 statues is visible from outside at any time.

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Typical hours

Guided tours typically run multiple times daily, often at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00. Booking in advance is advisable, especially on weekends.

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Photography

Photography is allowed inside during the tour, but without flash. The façade is great for exterior shots, best in the morning.

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Time needed

The guided tour of the town hall lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Allow extra time to admire the exterior façade.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby University of Leuven and St. Peter's Church. The Oude Markt with its cafes is also close by.

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Getting there

Leuven is reachable by train from Brussels in about 30 minutes. From the station, it's about a 10-minute walk to the town hall on the Grote Markt.

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Insider tip

Book the tour online in advance to secure a spot. Ask about the legends surrounding the statues on the façade.

Geography

Population

101,032 (2023)

Coordinates

50.87940, 4.70110

Facts

The foundation stone was laid in 1439 by architect Sulpitius van Vorst.
The building features 236 statues added between 1850 and 1900.
The corbels beneath the statues depict biblical scenes intended for moral instruction.
During World War I, the Town Hall miraculously survived while the city was heavily damaged.
The facade is constructed from white limestone, allowing for intricate Gothic detailing.
The uppermost level of the facade displays figures of the Dukes of Brabant.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Leuven<1 km · NWExplore →

Dijle Valley11 km · SExplore →

Castle of Horst11 km · NEExplore →

Park of Tervuren14 km · SWExplore →

Aarschot15 km · NEExplore →

Brussels Airport Cargo (Brucargo)15 km · WExplore →

Zaventem Tech Park16 km · WExplore →

Tienen18 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Town Hall (10)

Sint-Pieterskerk ⛪ church

Church in Leuven, Belgium, late Gothic church on the Grote Markt.

Vrijheidsboom

Freedom tree in Leuven, symbol of liberty on the square.

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Leuven Town Hall

Stadhuis in Leuven, ornate Gothic town hall on the Grote Markt.

Middelpunt der Stad Leuven

Center point of the city of Leuven, marked spot on the square.

M-Atelier

Arts centre in Leuven, Belgium, workshop for creative projects.

M-Museum🏛 museum

Art museum in Leuven, Belgium, with rotating exhibitions.

Stadsschouwburg 30CC

Theatre building in Leuven, Belgium, venue for performances.

Spoelberchmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Leuven, Belgium, dedicated to writer Charles de Spoelberch.

30CC Kapel Romaanse Poort

Arts centre in Leuven, Belgium, in a former chapel with a Romanesque gate.

Sint-Michielskerk

Church in Leuven, Belgium, Baroque Jesuit church.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you see the town hall from the inside?

Yes, there are daily guided tours (usually at 15:00) to visit the ornate halls.

How many statues are on the facade?

There are 236 statues in total, depicting local celebrities and biblical figures.

When was the building constructed?

It was built in the 15th century (between 1448 and 1469) in the Brabantine Gothic style.

Does it cost anything to photograph the facade?

No, photographing from the outside is free and a must for every visitor.

Where is the town hall located?

It is located on Grote Markt, right across from St. Peter's Church in the center of Leuven.

Town Hall: where is it located?

Town Hall is located in Belgium.

Town Hall: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sint-Pieterskerk, Vrijheidsboom, Leuven Town Hall.

Town Hall: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Town Hall: why is it worth visiting?

The Town Hall of Leuven is one of the world's most famous and ornate Gothic buildings, standing as a supreme example of Brabantine Late Gothic architecture.

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