Atrechtcollege, University college in Naamsestraat, Leuven, Belgium
Atrechtcollege is an academic building on Naamsestraat arranged in a U-shape with two inner courtyards, accessed through a decorated monumental gate at the highest point of the street. The layout reflects the structure of a residential college where students lived and studied together over several centuries.
A bishop founded this college in 1508 to help poor students from several regions find a place to study. Over time it received many gifts and donations, becoming one of the wealthiest colleges at Leuven University.
The college took its name from students who came from Arras and other cities to study here. The two courtyards still show how students lived and studied together within these walls.
The college now houses the university's International Office and is accessible through its main decorated entrance. Visit by walking up Naamsestraat and looking for the gate at its highest point.
A Japanese pagoda tree in the front garden was planted in the early 1800s and is one of Belgium's first specimens grown from Japanese seeds. The tree remains protected today as a rare botanical treasure at this academic location.
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