University Library & Bell Tower
University Library & Bell Tower, Leuven: Address, Phone Number, University Library & Bell Tower Reviews: 4.5/5
University Library & Bell Tower
University Library & Bell Tower
4.5
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Vallend paard
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44 mMonuments & Statues
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Fons Sapientiae
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Pope College
42
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4.5
557 reviews
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4
HARTONO T
Medan, Indonesia723 contributions
Jun 2022
This huge building with millions book collection is another landmak of Leuven. To visit the library and tower you need to pay for a fee. A huge plaza in front of the library with no obstruction is the best place to take pictures. The surrounding area is restaurants. The building architecture is fabulous. A very place to sit at evening just to admire the huge grand design building.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brian R
Vienna, VA480 contributions
Sep 2021
The audio app is very glitchy, but that is the only way to see the library. The bell tower is filled with an interesting exhibit and has a good view of the city.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ghazalefb
Ratingen, Germany411 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
I was not inside and just can give my opinion about the building. The building looks fantastic, I was just short time there but I enjoyed visiting this library.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Trainbleu
Brussels, Belgium28,282 contributions
May 2021
The University Library of Leuven may look very old but it isn’t even hundred years old. The reason is to be found in its turbulent history. First, the French took off with its valuable collection of books and manuscripts after the French Revolution. Then, during WWI, the Germans set fire to large parts of the city, including the library, which was housed in the former cloth hall at that time. After the war the US in particular donated money to build a new library. It was designed by American architect Whitney Warren (1864 – 1943) in a kind of fantasy Flemish Renaissance Revival style. Unfortunately, the new library was destroyed during WWII, although it’s not clear who was to blame. Yet more books went up in flames. But the library was rebuilt again and there it is today. Memorial stones bear the names of the helping universities.
In these Covid19-times it is still possible to visit the library and climb the bell tower (spiral staircase) but visitors have to reserve a time slot. The huge wood-panelled reading room is only accessible to visitors during weekends. We took advantage of an interesting temporary exhibition on the Belgian production of Photonovels in the University library to wander around and have a peek at the reading room.
In these Covid19-times it is still possible to visit the library and climb the bell tower (spiral staircase) but visitors have to reserve a time slot. The huge wood-panelled reading room is only accessible to visitors during weekends. We took advantage of an interesting temporary exhibition on the Belgian production of Photonovels in the University library to wander around and have a peek at the reading room.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marc_Karin
Ghent, Belgium276 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Wonderful library. Built after WW2 (the university library was destroyed in both WW1 and WW2). Absolutely worth the visit.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Abbas
Leuven, Belgium271 contributions
Apr 2020
I live in Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, so my balcony overlooks this amazing building. Its always a pleasure to look at and to see people picnicking and walking or playing in the Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein area.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GemsNI
Armagh, UK535 contributions
Jan 2020
The University library is a beautiful building in the centre of Leuven with a huge space/square in front. The building itself was severely damaged during the war, and funds for rebuilding were sent from universities, schools and colleges all over the world. The names are carved in to the front of the building, on the pillars of the vaulted cloister at the front.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Matty
Zaandam, The Netherlands640 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
Worth a visit! We bought a ticket for the library and the tower, this included an audiotour. This was quite interesting, however we missed some information on several old books. The library is beautifully made of wood. The tower has a beautiful view over the city. Many stairs, but 3 expos underway to the top, about the war and burn-downs of the library. The clocks on the top are beautifully large, but around 12 at noon the sound if pretty loud;) a must-see when in Leuven!
Written 28 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sann Rene
Brussels, Belgium134 contributions
Oct 2019
I take visitors to Leuven all the time, but I've never actually been in the University Library and Bell Tower so we took the time to do this when family was visiting from the USA. You can get an audio guide that will tell you all about the history of this amazing library, and discover the important role the USA played in it's recovery from the world wars. Please do include the bell tower visit, there are displays at every level on the way up and the view from the top is worth the effort. I highly recommend you go on a work week day, the stairway to the tower is tiny so best to do this out of major tourist times.
Written 12 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about University Library & Bell Tower
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- Hotels near University Library & Bell Tower:
- (0.11 km) Hotel Ladeuze
- (0.12 km) Leuven City Hostel
- (0.26 km) Pentahotel Leuven
- (0.25 km) Theater Hotel Leuven
- (0.28 km) Getaway Studios Leuven
- Restaurants near University Library & Bell Tower:
- (0.06 km) Carlisse
- (0.06 km) De Appel
- (0.07 km) Tokio Sushibar
- (0.20 km) Gainsbourg
- (0.17 km) Gelateria Decadenza