1 00:00:01,141 --> 00:00:05,645 Let's take a look at the most beautiful building in the world: Leuven City Hall! 2 00:00:05,939 --> 00:00:11,216 Even though it was inspired by the town hall of Bruges, I personally prefer this one. 3 00:00:11,499 --> 00:00:13,585 But don't tell anyone from Bruges! 4 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:19,647 Because of all the statues adorning this building, people tend to call it the "Leuven Pantheon", 5 00:00:19,930 --> 00:00:23,400 but few know that initially there were no statues on it at all. 6 00:00:23,500 --> 00:00:27,950 The statues were added later in the 19th century under the recommendation 7 00:00:28,050 --> 00:00:31,331 of none other than the famous French poet Victor Hugo. 8 00:00:31,625 --> 00:00:36,240 Constructed in the 15th century this building is the city's third town hall. 9 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:41,000 The first town hall was located on the "Oude Markt" or Old Market square. 10 00:00:41,480 --> 00:00:46,080 More than 500 years later, the present-day building is known for being one of the most impressive 11 00:00:46,180 --> 00:00:50,095 town halls in the world. Take your time to take in the full building. 12 00:00:50,255 --> 00:00:55,188 Especially notice its Gothic style, showing refined detail and harmonious proportions. 13 00:00:57,458 --> 00:01:00,551 You've got 5 seconds to guess the number of statues on this hall... 14 00:01:03,975 --> 00:01:06,405 There are 236 of them! 15 00:01:06,773 --> 00:01:11,558 Let me introduce them to you: at the bottom you can see sculptures of the city's co-founders, 16 00:01:11,658 --> 00:01:14,762 artists, scientists and other famous people. 17 00:01:15,192 --> 00:01:19,635 When we go up we have the patron saints and the representatives of the municipal liberties. 18 00:01:20,175 --> 00:01:23,740 Have I convinced you that this is the most beautiful building in the world? 19 00:01:24,224 --> 00:01:25,783 Come on, follow me!