A sneak preview falls to us
Visit in May 2019
A sneak preview falls to us
Noël Reynders whom we met by chance in Sint-Truiden led us personally around the Belfry of Zoutleeuw. Photos inside should only be taken under embargo because the inside has been spectacularly restored and one is short on time for the opening and presentation to the general public.
Church Belfry, St. Leonard’s Church Zoutleeuw
Concise history:
In 1231, Zoutleeuw became an independent parish and probably in the same year the construction of St. Leonard’s Church began with the construction of the east-facing choir. The church is adorned by three towers. Two towers of unequal height flank the west facade and quadrangle tower as a roof ridge on the nave. What is special about it is that all three towers served alternately and sometimes simultaneously as belfries.
The first mentions of work to hang bells date from 1452 and 1453. And concern the St. Leonardo Tower (the taller of the two). The carillon intended for this purpose was eventually placed in the lower St. Barbara Tower.
Seven bells that were part of the oldest carillon in the world still hang in the four-tower today. The largest bell of the original set, cast in 1531 by Medard Waghevens was moved to St. Barbara’s in 1904. It is the three-ton Leonard’s bell , according to the inscription, the sound of the bell helped women in travail, redeemed prisoners and freed people possessed for the devil.
The crossing tower was replaced in 1926 because the original was completely dilapidated. A new carillon from the Dutch company Eijsbouts was added in 1963.
St. Leonard’s Church has undergone several larger renovations. In 1861, 1966, 1993 and the most recent was completed in 2019.
Origins:
Built:
Building Material:
Style period:
Height:
Accessibility:
1231
shortly after 1231
sandstone and bricks
gothic
? meter
not open to the public
Opening hours Tourist office (in town hall)
Saturday, Sunday and Monday closed
Tuesday through Friday 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Learn more
Zoutleeuw City Hall
Aen den Hoorn 1
3440 Zoutleeuw
Call: +32(0)11 94 90 40
Mail: toerisme@zoutleeuw.be
Accommodation options in Zoutleeuw
Part of our pre-fun consists of booking accommodation. For us, combining a visit to a belfry with an overnight stay near it completes the experience and gives us more time to gather information.
B&B Room and Anvil
Offering a terrace and a garden, B&B Kamer en Aambeeld enjoys a quiet location in Zoutleeuw in Flemish Brabant, among fields and fruit trees. For a drink, visit the on-site bar…
Hotel Belle Vie
Hotel Belle-Vie is located in the Art Nouveau district in Sint-Truiden, a 2-minute walk from the train station. There is free Wi-Fi and free parking. The soundproof rooms …
Hotel Stayen
Located in Sint-Truiden, in the Haspengouw region, Hotel Stayen offers spacious, modern rooms and free access to the fitness and wellness facilities, which are located nearby…
Food and drink
During our visit to Zoutleeuw, we had very little time to take care of the inner man as well. A few quick pints at De Twee Leeuwkens and a peek inside De Lakenhalle. If you have an addition or an absolute tip where a visit to Zoutleeuw culinary should be graced please send a message to: info@belforten.com.
1. The Two Lionkens
Within walking distance of the belfry, we sat down on the covered terrace of De Twee Leeuwkens. As usual, we go for the regional beer, this time the ‘Hof ten Dormaal Blond’ brewed in Dormaal. This draught beer alone is a reason to come back again.
2. Eatery De Lakenhalle
Right across from the belfry in the former cloth hall is this eatery. On next visit definitely the place to eat something. Unfortunately, it is closed when we are there on Saturday afternoon but the menu looks appetizing.
3. The Cleyne Taefel
Where in Zoutleeuw can you eat good food? After hearing the name of this restaurant several times, we look at the website and our mouths watered. The chef cooks the most delicious dishes every day using traditional methods. Going to Zoutleeuw again soon!
The three most recent posts
On this page we have collected all the relevant information for visiting this belfry. To keep this up to date, we are constantly on our way to one of the 56 belfries on the Unesco World Heritage List. Below are the latest additions.
The judge, the witch and the devil
Notice of an unexpected visit to theater Kalleke Step in Grembergen during a planned visit to Dendermonde.
Up in the belfry of Tielt!
Notice of an unexpected visit to theater Kalleke Step in Grembergen during a planned visit to Dendermonde.
Theater Kalleke Step
Notice of an unexpected visit to theater Kalleke Step in Grembergen during a planned visit to Dendermonde.
Singing towers
Want to read more about belfries with a carillon? If so, the book "Singing Towers" by Andreas Dill and Luc Rombouts is highly recommended. It is available at BOL.COM.
