1 00:00:00,847 --> 00:00:05,472 The building in which we're now walking around is the beating heart of the University of Leuven. 2 00:00:06,063 --> 00:00:09,849 Although predestined to be a centre of wisdom and learning, it was formerly a 3 00:00:09,949 --> 00:00:13,829 cloth hall and throughout history it has had its ups and downs. 4 00:00:14,086 --> 00:00:15,046 I'll show you! 5 00:00:16,430 --> 00:00:19,207 During the 15th century, the cloth trade declined, 6 00:00:19,307 --> 00:00:22,600 thus providing a vacancy for the newly established university. 7 00:00:22,700 --> 00:00:28,450 The building has an impressive history of being burned down, expanded and renovated. 8 00:00:29,042 --> 00:00:29,889 Fun fact: 9 00:00:30,373 --> 00:00:34,554 During the French Revolution, it was even a butcher shop and a bar for some time! 10 00:00:34,743 --> 00:00:38,700 In the buildings' history, it also housed an auditorium, a dissecting room, 11 00:00:38,800 --> 00:00:41,788 an enormous library and even a beer and wine cellar, 12 00:00:41,976 --> 00:00:44,915 proving that they've always paid great attention to the students' needs. 13 00:00:45,015 --> 00:00:50,003 The different layers of Gothic and Baroque architecture reveal its turbulent past. 14 00:00:50,555 --> 00:00:53,547 There is also a hint of Classicism at the rear of the building. 15 00:00:53,647 --> 00:00:58,568 During WW I, the Germans set the University Hall ablaze and the library was lost. 16 00:00:59,039 --> 00:01:02,279 Fortunately, a new library was built on the Ladeuze square. 17 00:01:02,467 --> 00:01:06,616 Today the University Hall serves as a central base of the KU Leuven, 18 00:01:06,716 --> 00:01:08,297 where students come to enrol 19 00:01:08,397 --> 00:01:12,115 and as a stage for many prestigious events and ceremonies. 20 00:01:12,215 --> 00:01:15,624 It's also where the rector – head of the University – is based. 21 00:01:15,724 --> 00:01:19,719 I'm sure you'll pass by this brilliant building when you're in the centre of Leuven. 22 00:01:19,852 --> 00:01:20,995 Off to the next stop!