A 19th-Century Benedictine Monastery
Located in the north of Leuven, the Keizersberg Abbey (Abdij van Keizersberg) was founded in the 19th century by monks from Maredsous Abbey. Enclosed by a long protective wall, the abbey complex has the appearance of a historic fortress overlooking the city.
The Virgin Mary Statue
One of the abbey’s most remarkable features is its large neo-Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary, designed in 1905 by Leuven sculptor Benoît Van Uytvanck. Completed the following year, the crowned figure of Mary is shown standing, cloaked, with the Child Jesus on her left arm holding a globe—a striking contrast to Leuven’s seated Sedes Sapientiae.
Gardens and Views of Leuven
The abbey gardens are open as a public park, offering visitors a peaceful green space with panoramic views of Leuven. Locals also know the hill as Boelenberg or Borgberch, making it both a spiritual and cultural landmark in the city.
(Source: https://www.visitleuven.be/en/keizersberg-abbey), photo by Aslı Tezcan
