Romanesque Gate - Leuven

The Romanesque gate from 1218-1222 is the only remnant of the Sint-Elisabethgasthuis, which was founded here around 1080-1090 under Henry III, Count of Leuven. After a fire in 1363 and a major reorganization at the end of the 15th century, the guest house was given an almost completely new building stock. The Romanesque gate now provides access to the cultural center. The Romanesque gate has a round arch portal made of white sandstone and dark gray Doronik limestone, with rich carvings from the early 13th century. The other buildings include a late Gothic chapel (1490-1515), a restored monastery wing with parts of the old building (16th century), an east wing of the Gothic monastery building, a neoclassical hospital (1840-1868) and a restored farm. The carriage house has recently been restored into a concert and theater hall. Inside, the Gothic monastery building retains six-part cross vaults and a lavatorium. There are kitchens and work and living rooms of the sisters from the 17th-18th century. The classicist refectory was repainted in its original shades. The stairwell to the attic floor is decorated with rocailles in stucco and in carvings. The 'Monseigneurskwartier' is covered with gilt leather and painted linen.

Willem Vandenameele