1 00:00:02,079 --> 00:00:03,950 Welcome to the 'Oude Markt' of Leuven! 2 00:00:04,212 --> 00:00:07,081 If you just take a minute and turn your back to this impressive building, 3 00:00:07,181 --> 00:00:08,476 – the Holy Trinity College – 4 00:00:08,756 --> 00:00:11,076 you'll face the Old Market Square. 5 00:00:11,560 --> 00:00:13,980 Now imagine: World War II has just ended 6 00:00:14,080 --> 00:00:16,599 and all these buildings are gone because of the bombings. 7 00:00:17,097 --> 00:00:18,025 It's horrible, isn't it? 8 00:00:18,536 --> 00:00:21,492 Thankfully, they've rebuilt everything so wonderfully! 9 00:00:22,146 --> 00:00:24,740 The people of Leuven call this 'the longest bar in Europe'. 10 00:00:25,024 --> 00:00:27,431 Since the Middle Ages, people have been drinking beer here. 11 00:00:27,745 --> 00:00:29,080 Even Victor Hugo said: 12 00:00:29,180 --> 00:00:32,729 The secret of the Flemish is in their beer. What a wise man! 13 00:00:37,778 --> 00:00:38,880 Some historical facts: 14 00:00:39,164 --> 00:00:42,820 during the 12th century, the first city hall of Leuven was constructed here. 15 00:00:43,220 --> 00:00:47,400 Since then, it's been the economic hub of the city, producing bread, textiles, 16 00:00:47,589 --> 00:00:49,656 but especially beer, really. 17 00:00:53,946 --> 00:00:55,843 Let me introduce you to the kotmadam. 18 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:59,859 Although technically a landlady, she's like a mother to many of the students here, 19 00:00:59,959 --> 00:01:01,743 taking care of them in the dormitories. 20 00:01:01,847 --> 00:01:06,295 Although, most 'kotmadammen' are not nearly as ravishing or thin as this one. 21 00:01:06,883 --> 00:01:07,891 Selfie­time! 22 00:01:11,370 --> 00:01:13,980 Actually, the only thing you have to remember about this square 23 00:01:14,080 --> 00:01:15,975 is that is serves the best beer in the world. 24 00:01:16,171 --> 00:01:16,825 Cheers!