Short history [top]
Leuven is very proud of both its past and its heritage, and rightly so. Although the first references to the town can be traced back as far as the 9th century and in spite of its strategic location on the river Dyle, it was not until around the 11th-12th century that Leuven began to develop as an important trading centre within the Duchy of Brabant. It was at this time that its first town wall, churches, monasteries and abbeys were built.

The town's once flourishing cloth trade had fallen into decline by the 14th century, but a new golden age dawned with the 15th century. The university was founded, various industrial concerns flourished and the main market square with its fine Gothic town hall was laid out.

The 13th century beguinage complex has cobbled streets and fascinating 17th century houses, while both the Park Abbey and the Arenberg Castle are exciting mixtures of architectural styles. Overall the town still owes much of its character to the numerous university college buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, many of which were renovated in the 18th century.

The building of paved roads, the canal in the 18th century and the expansion of the brewery created a great impetus for trade and population growth. Unfortunately, this prosperity came to a sudden end under the reign of Joseph II when the French invaded. Later, during the two World Wars in the 20th century, much of Leuven was destroyed and a great deal of the reconstruction work lasted well into the nineteen-sixties.

Nowadays Leuven has developed into a well-equipped, modern town with a thriving service industry economy and with a good balance of old and new buildings combining to offer a well-designed infrastructure to suit the demands of today's modern town with a rich tradition.

City of beer [top]
Amid all the leisure activities it seems surprising that Leuven finds any time to work; but it does. In the Middle Ages all commercial activities were centred at the Dylehaven, near the present-day Fish Market. The focus began to change in the 18th century and breweries and other parts of the food industry started to spread along the banks of the Leuven-Mechelen canal. When brewing became a nationwide industry in the 19th century, Leuven became world famous for its beers, and today is still proud to be known as the beer capital of Belgium.

Interbrew en Stella Artois
A fragment of national history

The history of Stella Artois is closely connected with the history of Leuven. The foundation of the university of Leuven in 1425, the digging of the canal Leuven-Rupel in the 18th century, two industrial revolutions and two world wars; all were events that played a fundamental part in the development of this beer town and... of the brewery Artois.

When the name of the brewery 'Den Horen' (the Horn) turns up for the first time in the ducal levy records (1366) it marks only the beginning of a brilliant success story, because in 1537 this brewery had already developed into the most important enterprise in Leuven.

In 1717 'Den Horen' was under control of master-brewer Sebastien Artois and thus for more than a century all the brewer's know-how was handed down from father to son.

Around the turn of the century the brewing of the golden Pilsbeer of low fermentation was started up at Artois. In 1926 - and this for the first time - the brewery brought a barley beer onto the market and called it with the name 'Stella', the Latin word for 'Star'. The famous 'stella', a 'star' in the Brewers' Sky, is a beer that makes beer-fanciers feel at home.

Domestic brewery Domus
This domestic brewery "Domus" is unique in Belgium; it is even linked by a pipeline to the taps (faucets) in the tavern! The 'Nostra Domus' and the 'Leuvendige Witte' can be tasted throughout the year. Moreover, Domus brews a series of seasonal beers, like the 'Con Domus'. Go and enjoy the atmosphere and the beer, either on the picturesque Vounckplein (pedestrian zone!) or in the attractive, rustic tavern.