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Welcome to the website of the former St. Gertrude Abbey! It is a remarkable part of the city in the center of Leuven. It is also an oasis of tranquility, through which the Dijle River, omnipresent in Leuven, flows. This fascinating complex dates from various periods, but was mainly built after the First and Second World Wars.

A delightful cobblestone labyrinth of streets and squares, gardens and parks, with sandstone houses and convents: this is the Groot Begijnhof, founded in the 1230s. At its peak in the 17th century, it was home to some 360 beguines, living in eighty houses and ten convents. Today, this restored mini-oasis town is home to students and visiting professors from abroad.

The Ichtegem heritage walk takes you past various aspects of a quiet village. During the walk, special attention is paid to the story of the families who have shaped the village's appearance. You will also learn more about the meaning of certain street names and discover

The construction of Leuven's second city wall took place between 1357 and 1365. Today, we will take you on a search for the relics that can still be found today. Paradoxically, much less of this second and much larger wall has been preserved than of the first wall. The

Castles and small castles: they are often hidden in green surroundings, including in the outskirts of Leuven. Some date back to the 19th century, while others have a history stretching back centuries. On this walk, you will visit one, two, or three castle estates for which the city of Leuven is currently seeking a new purpose, together.