A Monumental Baroque Masterpiece
Standing on the highest point in Leuven, St. Michael’s Church (Sint-Michielskerk) is considered one of the most monumental Baroque churches in Europe. Built between 1650 and 1671 for the Jesuit College of Leuven, the church was designed by Jesuit architect Willem Hesius, reflecting the grandeur and symbolism of the Counter-Reformation.
Destruction and Reconstruction
The church suffered devastating destruction during the bombardment of Leuven on the night of 10–11 May 1944. Remarkably, the monumental front façade survived intact, preserving the building’s Baroque character. Reconstruction began soon after and was completed in 1950, restoring the church as a central landmark in Leuven.
Interior Treasures
Inside St. Michael’s Church, visitors will find:
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Numerous wooden statues of Christ, the Virgin Mary with Child, and other saints
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Paintings of the Stations of the Cross, dating from the early and mid-19th century, by Flemish artists
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Several valuable artworks, both statues and paintings, have been transferred to the Municipal Museum of Leuven for preservation
(Source: http://www.discoverleuven.com/saintmichael.asp), photos by Aslı Tezcan
