St Margaret of Louvain - Marguerite la Fière

This bronze sculpture depicts a reclining female figure set within a fountain at the junction of Tiensestraat and Muntstraat in the heart of Leuven. The work was created in 1982 by sculptor Willy Meysmans and displays realistic craftsmanship in its figural details.

This monument was created in 1982 to honor Margaret of Leuven, a woman who lived between 1207 and 1225 and died in the Dijle river. Her story was preserved through centuries and later anchored in the city through this artistic representation.

This sculpture commemorates a holy woman who worked as a maid and was killed while protecting an inn, leading to her canonization. Her story remains part of local devotion and how people understand the city's religious heritage.

The sculpture is located at the intersection of Tiensestraat and Muntstraat in central Leuven and is easy to visit while walking through the historic center. The fountain sits outdoors and is accessible from different sides, making for a relaxed viewing experience.

After Margaret's murder, her body reportedly drifted upstream in the Dijle river, carried by fish, until it was found. This unusual discovery story makes her veneration in the city particularly striking.

Location: Leuven

Inception: 1982

Creator: Willy Meysmans

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 50.88132,4.69684

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42