Leuven Train Station: A Historical Landmark in Eclectic Style

The Leuven Train Station, a protected monument, stands as a significant example of 19th-century architecture. Designed by engineer-architect Henri Fouquet between 1876 and 1879, this eclectic-style building showcases influences from French Classicism and the Italian Renaissance. Often regarded as Fouquet's masterpiece, the station is a striking feature of Leuven’s architectural heritage.

Located on Martelarenplein, one of the city's largest open squares, the station is central to Leuven's vibrant public life. Martelarenplein is frequently used for various events and also hosts the Vredesmonument (Peace Monument). This obelisk, erected in 1925, honors the memory of 200 civilians shot by German troops during their raid in 1914 and the destruction caused during the Second World War. The monument, which was severely damaged during the conflict, was restored by the city of Leuven in 2004.

Leuven Train Station is a key transport hub along railway line 36 and serves over 33,000 boarding travelers daily, making it one of the busiest stations in Belgium. In 2014, it was ranked as the fifth busiest railway station in the country.

Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martelarenplein_(Leuven),

photo by Aslı Tezcan