Leuven, a city on the River Dijle where Vikings once received a serious beating.
Where, on the Boelenberg, a private zoo was once set up for the young Emperor Charles. Where nearly 600 years ago the first university of the Low Countries was founded. Where Vesalius stole bodies from the gallows field and smuggled them into his room in pieces.
Where a priest was the first to calculate that the universe, born in a Big Bang, has been expanding ever since. Where, in the past 65 years, only four different mayors have worn the sash.
Where Pink Floyd and the Sex Pistols almost performed, but The Clash, The Cure, and Kanye West actually did. Where so many more stories lie hidden between the cobblestones.
It is my mission to prevent these stories from disappearing into the folds of history.
Feel like joining me on a journey? On foot or by bike—either is fine. Let me know which aspect of the city you want to explore.
