A Medieval Timekeeper
The Jacquemart of Leuven, known as Meester Jan, was first installed in 1381 as a mechanical figure that struck the bells of St. Peter’s Church tower. For nearly two centuries, Meester Jan kept time for the city until 1573, when exposure to wind and weather caused both the statue and part of the tower to collapse.
A Modern Revival
Centuries later, thanks to the efforts of Campanae Lovanienses and KBC Insurances, Meester Jan was brought back to life in 1998. Sculptor Willy Peeters created a stunning 2.35-meter gilded statue, restoring this historic timekeeper to Leuven’s skyline.
A Symbol on the Grote Markt
Today, Meester Jan stands proudly on the Grote Markt (Great Market Square), once again marking the passage of time. Every 15 minutes, the mechanical figure strikes the bells, continuing a tradition that began more than 600 years ago.
(Source: Leuven Architecture and Sculpture, Published on Feb 16, 2013, Toerisme Vlaanderen), Photo by Aslı Tezcan
