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De Kotmadam: Leuven's Beloved Landlady

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A whimsical tribute to Leuven's student culture, De Kotmadam statue embodies the caring spirit of the traditional landlady on Oude Markt.

De Kotmadam, a bronze statue on Leuven's Oude Markt, affectionately represents the traditional landlady ('kotmadam' in Flemish slang) who provides care and support to students renting rooms in the city. Created by Alfred Bellefroid and unveiled in 1985, it has become a symbol of Leuven's vibrant student culture.

A brief summary to De Kotmadam Leuven

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the evening to experience the lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife surrounding the sculpture in Oude Markt.
  • Bring your camera to capture a fun photo with De Kotmadam, one of Leuven's most recognizable statues.
  • Explore the Oude Markt, also known as 'the longest bar in the world', and sample some of the many local Belgian beers.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Leuven Train Station, De Kotmadam is approximately a 15-minute walk (1.2 km). Exit the station and walk straight along the Bondgenotenlaan towards the city center. Continue until you reach the Grote Markt, with the Town Hall on your right. Turn left onto the Kortestraat, a short street that directly connects to the Oude Markt, where the statue is located.

  • Public Transport

    Several buses connect Leuven Train Station to the city center. Take any bus heading towards the city center and get off at the Rector De Somerplein stop, which is a short walk from the Oude Markt. From the bus stop, walk towards the Grote Markt and then take the Kortestraat to reach the Oude Markt. A single bus ticket costs approximately €3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Leuven Train Station to De Kotmadam typically costs between €9 and €12, depending on traffic and the time of day. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes. Specify 'Oude Markt' as your destination.

Discover more about De Kotmadam Leuven

De Kotmadam, located in the heart of Leuven's Oude Markt (Old Market Square), is a charming bronze statue that pays tribute to the city's student life. The statue, created by Alfred Bellefroid, was unveiled on May 16, 1985, and has since become a beloved landmark.In Flemish culture, a 'kot' refers to a student room, and the 'kotmadam' is the landlady who rents out rooms to students. More than just a landlord, the kotmadam often provides meals, tidies rooms, and offers a caring presence for students away from home. The statue depicts a youthful and attractive woman, a playful twist on the traditional image of an older, matronly landlady.The statue was originally conceived as a gift from the Tourism Office of Leuven to the city, inspired by the Marktrock committee. Maria Swerts, the then-oldest kotmadam in Leuven, graced the inauguration ceremony as the statue's godmother. Despite initial mixed reactions to its youthful depiction, De Kotmadam quickly won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Today, it stands as a lighthearted symbol of Leuven's rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of hospitality, attracting countless visitors who enjoy posing for photos with the whimsical figure.

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