6 centuries of KU Leuven: eccentric scholars and naughty students

A humorous university walk packed with remarkable anecdotes about professors and student pranks.

Of course, a centuries-old university has plenty of extraordinary stories to tell—and we would love to share them with you. Did you know that a Leuven professor could make himself invisible, that one dissected his own leg, and that another solved the notorious “nicotine murder”? Or that embalmed corpses were once kept in the Lakenhalle, and students from Standonckcollege were sent out to beg? Students who crossed the line—for instance by swimming naked in the Dijle or visiting prostitutes a little too often—could end up in the university prison.

On a guided tour of old and new colleges, you will share the experiences of students who complained about the poor food, and professors irritated by excessive drinking. You will be amazed by what students got up to in their free time, and by what the university and the city thought of it. Meet some remarkable scholars and discover their unusual research. 

Join us for a humorous, anecdote-filled and fascinating journey through 6 centuries of KU Leuven. Be surprised by the many unusual and colourful stories that have unfolded at our university.

Main stops: Lakenhalle, Hogeschoolplein, Atrechtcollege, Aula De Somer, Pauscollege, De Valk, Grote Markt