The Fonske, Leuven

His full name is Fons Sapientiae, Latin for Source of Wisdom. The Fonske is one of Jef Claerhout's works and was donated to the city in 1975 on the occasion of the 550th anniversary of the Catholic University of Leuven.

The statue represents a student who, reading a book, lets wisdom flow through his head in the form of water. But this explanation would have been given to the statue later. According to sculptor Claerhout: "It is a sculpture of someone who, pouring a beer into his cup, studies his behaviour". Student organizations did not agree with this and found it to be a caricature of the drinking student. That is why the statue was renamed "Source of Wisdom"

Rotterdam

 

Rotterdam is a major port city in the western Netherlands, located in South Holland. With a population of 600,015 (as of January 2023), it is the second-largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. Including the wider municipality, it has 671,125 residents, while the larger Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area exceeds 2.4 million inhabitants. Geographically, it is the largest city in the Netherlands, covering 319.4 km².

The city derives its name from a dam built on the River Rotte. It lies on the Nieuwe Maas, a distributary of the Rhine River. Once the world’s largest port, Rotterdam remains the most important port in Europe, extending 40 km and serving as a key logistical and economic hub. The city’s strong industrial heritage has earned it a reputation as a working-class centre with a diverse population.

Following the near-total destruction of its historic centre during a German bombing in 1940, Rotterdam emerged as a centre of innovative architecture. Iconic landmarks include the Erasmus Bridge, Cube Houses, and numerous skyscrapers. Cultural highlights include the Erasmus University, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kunsthal, and football clubs like Feyenoord. In 1948, Queen Wilhelmina granted Rotterdam the motto “Stronger Through Struggle” for its resilience.

Historical Highlights

• The settlement of Rotta, dating back to the 9th century, was abandoned in the 12th century due to flooding. Around 1270, a dam was built at Hoogstraat, giving the city its name.
• Rotterdam gained city rights from Count Willem IV of Holland on 7 June 1340. Defensive walls were gradually added, culminating in a stone wall completed by the 16th century.
• During the Hook and Cod Wars (1488–1490), Jonker Frans van Brederode used Rotterdam as a base, significantly boosting its status.
• The late Gothic St. Lawrence Church, built between 1449 and 1525, was the city’s first and only stone building during the Middle Ages.

Today, we ventured on a tour with a water taxi along the Nieuwe Maas, an excellent way to see the city and the extensive buildings currently under construction. A delightful, fun day with Marianne and Frederik who shared many parts of the city that we so easily could have missed. It was special for us all to be together.

Veune, Belgium

Veurne, first mentioned as Furnu in 877, likely developed around one of the castles built by the Count of Flanders in the late 9th century to defend against Viking invasions. In the 10th century, the Vikings attacked the settlement, prompting the expansion of the (round) castle. The mound in Sint-Walburgapark is a remnant of this fortification, which also explains the circular layout of Veurne's streets.

Around 870, the relics of Saint Walburga were brought to Veurne, enhancing its spiritual significance. Later, in the early 12th century, Count Robert II of Jerusalem donated a relic of the Holy Cross to the town. By 1060, a trading settlement had formed to the castle's east, while a craft centre developed to the south near the now-lost Saint Denis Church. Veurne also maintained connections to the hinterland, including Sint-Winoksbergen, via the Kolme or Bergenvaart waterway.

The town hall is an impressive Renaissance-style structure built of brick, comprising two adjoining wings with distinctive gables. The left wing, featuring four bays, was constructed in 1596, while the right wing, with five bays, was completed in 1612. The rear facade, dating back to 1599, adds further architectural interest. The design of the building is attributed to Lieven Lucas, with the facade credited to Jerom Stalpaert and Ferri Aerts.

The facade showcases a striking balcony, supported by Ionic columns set under basket-handle arches. At the centre of the balcony, the coat of arms of the castellany is prominently displayed. Adding to its charm, an octagonal turret enhances the rear facade.

On the right side of the complex, a passage leads to the Landshuis, positioned at a right angle to the town hall.

In 1939, a Neo-Renaissance-style extension was added to the left of the town hall, designed by Camille Van Elslande, blending seamlessly with the historic structure.

Zimanga

 

Zimanga