Oude Markt
The Oude Markt is a rectangular square in the centre of Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, that largely consists of catering establishments. This is why it is nicknamed the "longest bar in the world".
History and buildings
As the historical residence city of the Counts of Leuven, the square was given market rights in 1150, when the first stone ramparts were built, so that economic activities started to develop. A market was held up to three times a week. In the 20th century, parts of the market escaped the bombing of the two world wars, but reconstruction was still necessary.The cobble-stoned square is encicrcled by many historical buildings, dating from the 18th century to present. The classicist wing of the Old University of Leuven's University Hall also opens on the Oude Markt. The university library was housed there until its destruction in 1914. The facade of the Holy Trinity College is well visible at the southern end of the square. De Kotmadam, a statue from 1985 by the sculptor, is located on the Oude Markt. In addition, the square has two water pumps: the, which is still in function, and the, a relic from 1724.