Breweries
Amid all these leisure activities it seems surprising that Leuven finds any time to work; but it does.
In the Middle Ages all commercial activities were centred at the Dijlehaven, near the present-day Fish Market.
The focus began to change in the 18th century and breweries and other parts of the food industry started to spread along the banks of the Leuven-Mechelen canal.
When brewing became a nationwide industry in the 19th century, Leuven became world famous for its beers, and today is still proud to be known as the beer capital of Belgium.
