The Kruidtuin in Leuven is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. The University of Leuven created it in 1738 for its medical students. Lovers of plants and herbs can indulge themselves in the diverse collections.
In the 450 m² greenhouse complex you will find numerous herbaceous plants, herbs, water and tub plants, as well as a variety of tropical and subtropical species.
Tips
Look for the 'Sunken Garden'
The Kruidtuin is a great place for a picnic
A first botanical garden was created on the initiative of rector Henri-Joseph Rega from 1738 onwards on a site between the Dijle and the Voer. From this original location in the Minderbroedersstraat, all that remains is the classicist entrance gate from 1771, designed by Laurent-Benoit Dewez.[1]
After the foundation of the Rijksuniversiteit Leuven, the garden, which had become too small, was moved to the other side of the Kapucijnenvoer. Until the French Revolution, the Capuchin monastery stood on this site; this monastery contained a large kitchen garden along the Voer.
The garden was created by the garden architect Guillaume Rosseels, under the scientific supervision of the German botanist Franz-Joseph Adelmann. Court architect Charles Vander Straeten designed the entrance building and the orangery. When the State University was abolished in 1835, the garden was transferred to the city council of Leuven.
Today, an extensive collection of trees, shrubs and bushes can be found on an area of approximately 2.2 ha. In addition to the collection of herbaceous plants, herbs, water and tub plants, a greenhouse complex (450 m²) exhibits a variety of tropical and subtropical species.