During the restoration work at Leuven Town Hall, archaeologists found the remains of a stone house dating from the 12th or 13th century. It is the oldest stone house ever discovered in Leuven, and the city is calling it an “exceptional find”.
Archaeologists find remains of stone dwelling from 12th or 13th century during excavations at Leuven town hall
Colin Clapson
Published:
Leuven Town Hall is undergoing thorough restoration in coming years. During excavations in the courtyard garden of the town hall, the Vrijthof, archaeologists came across the remains of a stone house from the 12th or 13th century. Walls and a staircase have been uncovered.
According to the city authorities, this is the oldest stone house ever discovered in Leuven. ‘It is exceptional that these houses were made of stone, with walls one metre thick,’ says Dirk Vansina, alderman for Monuments and Immovable Heritage.
‘At this time, people mainly built wooden half-timbered houses, so these must have been the homes of wealthy Leuven residents. The houses were demolished in the 15th century to make way for the construction of the town hall.’
The archaeologists found even older traces under the building. They discovered the post holes of a wooden structure and a waste pit containing animal bones and ceramics.
Exceptional opportunity for the public at large
The city will exceptionally open the gates of the Vrijthof on 6 December between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Archaeologists will be on hand to provide more information about the excavations.