Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gavin Baker

Leuven is famous Belgian university town, the local Catholic University was founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V and is the oldest university in Belgium and one of the oldest in Europe. Due to disputes between Flemish and French-speaking population, University had to be divided into two separate branches in 1968 – the Flemish Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, which remained in Leuven and the French-speaking Université catholique de Louvain, which was established in Louvain-la-Neuve. This city was founded in the province of Walloon Brabant.

The first mention of Leuven dates from the year 891, from the time when Carolingian King of East Francia and Holy Roman Emperor Arnulf defeated Viking army.

Convenient location at the river Dijle helped Leuven to become a major commercial center of the duchy. The city became a center of cloth. Famous linen was exported from here already in the late 14th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Eddy Van 3000

Leuven’s golden period occurred in the 15th century, when was founded already mentioned Catholic University. It has now about 27,000 students. Another important period was the 18th century, when a local brewery began to prosper. It later grew into the largest brewing company in the world called Interbrew, recently renamed to InBev. This brewing company includes well-known brewery Stella Artois.

During the First and Second World War Leuven suffered significant damage. For example, in July 1914, was burned and destroyed the university library with 300,000 rare books and manuscripts. After the First World War the library was renovated. During the Second World War, however, the library was again damaged by fire, in which disappeared other writings and rare books. Although a large part of the University of Leuven was severely damaged by fire and bombing during the wars, most of the sites managed to repair and make its original form.

One of the most important monuments is considered Leuven Town Hall built between 1439 – 1463, which is a typical example of late Brabant Gothic. Its facade is decorated with 236 sculptures from the second half of the 19th century. Very beautiful is also a church of St. Peter built in the turn of the 15th and 16th century. In its interior you can see the rare picture painted by Dirk Bouts – the Last Supper (1464-1468).

You can stroll through the cobblestone old-town squares, that are lined with houses, some of which date back to the 13th century. Most of these houses are now luxury hotels and pensions. Many historic buildings serve the needs of universities, which are hostels for students and professors, or perhaps a conference centres.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jim Trodel

Beautiful building near Leuven is Arenberg Castle built in the 16th century, which is a typical example of brick architecture, and combines late Gothic style with the Renaissance. Arenberg family donated the castle with a park covering an area of ​​29 hectares to the University of Leuven in 1916.

Interesting collections can be seen at the Vander Kelen-Mertens Municipal Museum, which represents both modern and ancient art. On display are not only paintings and sculptures, but also photographs, films, design and architecture. Art lovers will especially enjoy the Art Museum, located in a building designed by Stéphane Beel. The building elegantly combines old and modern architectural elements.

The city also features a nice botanical garden Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis. Founded in 1738 it is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. Owns a large collection of plants, trees, shrubs, and tropical and subtropical plants.

View Leuven – famous university and beer town in Belgium in a larger map

The post Leuven – famous university and beer town in Belgium appeared first on Europe Explored.

It was back during the late Tertiary period when the Tennengebirge mountains were first formed. Known as the Würm glaciation period, much of the Austrian Alps were formed, including that of the Eisriesenwelt cave. With each passing year, as the melting snows trip into the cavern and then froze the following year, the Eisriesenwelt was slowly eroded away over hundreds of thousands of years.

Eisriesenwelt caves, Austria by eisriesenwelt.at

Anton Posselt, who was a scientist from Salzburg back in 1879, is credited with having first discovered the Eisriesenwelt Caverns. Up until this point in time, only the locals in the area knew anything about the cave. It is interesting to note, that Anton Posselt only took the time to explore the first several hundred meters of the cave, as he believed that the cave itself was an entrance to Hell.

It was not until 1912 when further expeditions into the cave would occur. Alexander von Mörk who was a speleologist from Salzburg spent much of the next two years dedicated to mapping out the internals of the cave network. However, as a result of World War I, his expeditions ceased due to the fact that he was killed as a result the bombings.

Eisriesenwelt Caves, Austria by eisriesenwelt.at

Shortly after the end of the First World War, the Eisriesenwelt started to develop into a popular terse destination in the region. As a result, a number of cabins and walking paths up to the cave were constructed. However the more than three decades the only option to access the Eisriesenwelt caves was to walk on foot more than 90 minutes. In 1955 a cable car was constructed in the region, which allow people to access the Eisriesenwelt caves in less than three minutes.

It is important to remember, that the Eisriesenwelt Caves are composed entirely of ice and therefore the temperatures inside are well below freezing level. As a result, it is important to make sure that you bring the proper clothing, no matter what time of year you choose to visit them. At the same time you must keep in mind that flash photography within the caves are strictly prohibited.

Eisriesenwelt Caves, Austria by eisriesenwelt.at

In order to get the most out of your trip to the caves it is important to take the time to sign up to a tour. This will allow you to get the most amount of relevant information about the caves, as well as their formation, and the various monuments and designations that can be found throughout the geological formation.

The caves are closed during the winter and basic admission is €20. For more information check the official site of Eisriesenwelt Caves: eisriesenwelt.at.

Pictures were used upon eisriesenwelt.at approval. Thank you!

The post Eisriesenwelt Ice cave in Austria – the largest ice cave in entire world appeared first on Europe Explored.