Zoutleeuw

Zoutleeuw is a municipality located in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium, situated approximately 17 kilometres northwest of Leuven. The municipality comprises the towns of Zoutleeuw proper, Berkendael, Laarbeek, Ludwigsekuil, Legemeer, and the hamlet of Neer. Covering an area of about 48 square kilometres, it had a population of roughly 11,800 residents as of the last census, yielding a population density of around 245 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Historically, the area dates back to Roman times, as evidenced by remnants of a Roman road and finds of pottery. The earliest documented mention of Zoutleeuw appears in the 11th century, when the area belonged to the Abbey of St. Martin in Leuven. Over the centuries it evolved from a feudal centre to a predominantly agrarian community. In the 20th century, the municipality expanded through the construction of new residential areas, especially following the development of the "Kwadron" housing estate in the 1970s.

The town’s cultural life centers around traditional Belgian festivals such as the annual Kermis and the Christmas market held in the historic town square. Zoutleeuw also hosts a number of community sports clubs, with basketball and cycling being particularly popular. The local economy is mixed, featuring small-scale manufacturing, agriculture—especially dairy farming—and a growing service sector.

Notable individuals associated with Zoutleeuw include the film director Luc Besson, who spent part of his youth in nearby Bruges, and the contemporary artist Marie-Cécile De Vynck, whose works often reflect the Flemish landscape. The municipality also houses several churches and heritage buildings, including the 18th‑century Saint Michael’s Church and the historic water tower, which serve as landmarks of its architectural heritage.