Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Predikherenkerk

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Predikherenkerk is the oldest Gothic church in Leuven and one of the earliest Gothic buildings anywhere in Belgium. It stands right in the historic centre of the city, and its story starts back in the 13th century, when Leuven was still a residence of the Dukes of Brabant.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to the Dominicans (Predikheren, "preaching brothers" in Dutch), who settled in Leuven in 1228. The duke granted them land for a monastery together with its own church — the very building still standing today. Construction began in 1234, and the church was intended from the start to also serve as a ducal burial church.

What was built first?

The early Gothic choir came first, inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris — one of the most celebrated examples of French Rayonnant Gothic architecture. This first construction phase was completed around 1275. The 13th-century choir housed the burial chapel of Duke Henry III of Brabant and his wife Aleidis, which underlines the church's original status as a building tied directly to the ducal court.

How did the church change over the following centuries?

The nave dates from the 14th century, built after the choir was already finished. The interior was further reworked in the 17th and 18th centuries — a common pattern for religious buildings that remained in continuous use for hundreds of years, as each generation adapted the décor to contemporary taste and liturgical needs.

A major turning point came at the end of the 18th century: in 1799 the Dominicans repurchased the church along with the remaining part of the eastern cloister wing, and four years later, in 1803, the building was taken into use as a parish church. In 1937 it was granted protected monument status.

How did the church survive the Second World War?

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Predikherenkerk suffered serious damage during the Second World War. The decision to carry out restoration work was made in 1954, but the actual work only started in 1961 — a seven-year gap. Such a long delay between decision and execution was not unusual for post-war restoration of religious heritage buildings in Europe, where priorities and funding were often spread across decades.

Is it still used as a church today?

No. The building has been deconsecrated and is now used as an event venue. This is a fate shared by many historic churches across Belgium and the Netherlands, where declining congregations and high maintenance costs have pushed former monastery churches toward new uses — as cultural spaces, exhibition venues, or event locations — while their historic architecture is preserved.

Frequently asked questions

Is this really the oldest Gothic church in Leuven? Yes, sources describe it as the oldest Gothic church in the city and one of the first Gothic buildings in Belgium.

Who originally built the church? The Dominicans (Predikheren), who arrived in Leuven in 1228 and received land from the duke to build a monastery.

Can visitors go inside today? The building is deconsecrated and now operates as an event venue rather than an active church.

Where exactly is it located? In the historic centre of Leuven, in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium.