A Gift to the City of Leuven
Located in Mechelsestraat, near the former 'Zeven Hoeken', the statue of Desiderius Erasmus stands as a tribute to one of the most influential humanists of the Renaissance. This bronze sculpture was gifted to Leuven by the Lions Club Leuven Erasmus to mark the fifth anniversary of their association.
Who Was Erasmus?
Born in 1466, Desiderius Erasmus was a leading humanist, scholar, and thinker of his time. He was known for his pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and satirical writings, which challenged traditional beliefs and customs.
Erasmus spent six years in Leuven (1506-1512), where he founded the Collegium Trilingue, an institute dedicated to teaching Hebrew, Greek, and Latin—revolutionizing education and classical studies in Europe. His most famous work, 'In Praise of Folly' (Stultitiae Laus), was a sharp critique of European traditions and the Western Church.
A Statue Full of Character
This striking bronze sculpture captures Erasmus mid-walk, dressed in his signature scholarly attire:
- A warm beret atop his head.
- A lined cloak and turned-up shirt collar, reflect his weak constitution and dislike for the cold.
- One hand tucked in his coat pocket, while the other holds his cloak closed.
- A subtle, mocking smile, hinting at his sharp wit and satirical nature.
The statue's location is no coincidence—it is placed near the Collegium Trilingue, the institution he founded to promote classical education.
“The chief element of happiness is this: to want to be what you are.”
― Praise of Folly)
Why Visit the Erasmus Statue?
- 🏛️ See a beautifully crafted bronze sculpture honoring one of Europe’s greatest scholars.
- 📖 Explore the Collegium Trilingue, a key site in Leuven’s academic history.
- 🚴 Experience a lively part of Leuven, where locals frequently park their bicycles around this well-known statue.
Plan Your Visit
If you're exploring Leuven’s historical and academic heritage, make sure to stop by the Erasmus statue in Mechelsestraat—a place that celebrates knowledge, learning, and critical thought.
📌 Want to take a piece of Leuven’s history home? Explore our Catchy Sights collection, featuring Erasmus and other local icons! Shop now!
(Source:Leuven Gebeiteld_metkaft - Leuven statues.pdf, 2013)
Photo by Aslı Tezcan
