Saint Jacob's Church, Medieval parish church in Leuven, Belgium
The Saint Jacob's Church features a Romanesque west tower from 1220, along with a three-aisled nave and multiple architectural elements added through centuries of construction.
Master builder Matheus de Layens completed the church transept between 1457 and 1488, during the same period he worked on the Leuven City Hall.
The church served as a stopping point for medieval pilgrims traveling from northern European cities through Leuven on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Following extensive stabilization works from 2017 to 2024, including 13-meter deep foundation reinforcements, the building now functions as a community meeting space.
Saint Laurence Hostel, established near the church's Blue Corner in the 13th century, provided accommodation specifically for pilgrims on their religious journeys.
Location: Leuven
Inception: 1824
Architects: Matheus de Layens
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
GPS coordinates: 50.88050,4.69108
Latest update: May 27, 2025 17:43
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