Sint-Donatus Park

Sint-Donatus Park is an urban green space in Leuven with winding paths lined by diverse trees and vegetation that create a layered landscape. Medieval fortification remains, including towers and wall sections from the 12th century, stand throughout the park grounds.

A comprehensive redesign between 1993 and 1998 transformed the park while respecting its English landscape garden heritage and medieval fortification fragments. This effort balanced contemporary recreation needs with the preservation of historical layers built over centuries.

Electrical cabinets scattered around the park have been turned into outdoor art installations, showing how everyday infrastructure becomes part of the visual landscape. These painted boxes invite people to notice art while they walk through the green space.

The park is open daily and accessible from multiple entry points scattered around its perimeter. Wear comfortable shoes since the paths wind through varied terrain and can be uneven, particularly after rain.

The original defensive walls were built with sandstone and ironstone, materials that still show their age and wear after more than 800 years. Walking past these ancient stones offers a tangible connection to the city's medieval period.