Oude Markt

View of the Oude Markt

The Oude Markt (Dutch for "Old Square") is a rectangular square in the center of Leuven, Belgium, that largely consists of catering establishments. This is why it is nicknamed the "longest bar in the world".

As the residence city of the counts of Leuven, the square was given market rights in 1150, when the first stone ramparts were built, so that economic activities started to develop. A market was held up to three times a week. Parts of the market escaped the bombing of the two world wars, but reconstruction was still necessary.

The cobble-stoned square is encicrcled by many historical buildings, dating from the 18th century to present. The classicist wing of the university hall also opens on the Oude Markt. The university library was housed here until its destruction in 1914. The facade of the Holy Trinity College is well visible at the southern end of the square.

In addition, the Leuven fair is held annually in the first three weeks of September on the Oude Markt, while the Student welcome is held annually at the end of September. There is also Hapje-Tapje with the bartender race at the beginning of August (first Sunday) and since 1989 the Beleuvenissen is organized every Friday in July. This is a series of concerts that revolve around a specific theme.

De Kotmadam, a statue from 1985 by Fred Bellefroid, is located on the Oude Markt.

The Oude Markt has 2 water pumps: the Sint-Janspomp, which is still in function, and the Collegepomp, a relic from 1724.

Gallery

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  View of the Oude Markt
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  View of the Oude Markt from the Kortestraat
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  View of the Oude Markt
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  View of the Oude Markt
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  Buildings, to the right: the burgher's house Adam and Eve
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  Burgher's house De Weerelt
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  Corner building on the Drie-Engelenberg
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  Facades of palaces on the Oude Markt
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  Corner house
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  Buildings on the Oude Markt
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  Burgher's house Den Peylkoker
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  The Sint-Janspomp
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  The Collegepomp