Belgium: Town Hall of Leuven

On Saturday I got three postcards: one from Belgium, one from the Canary Islands and one from Italy.

The card from Belgium shows the Town Hall of Leuven. Leuven is the capital of the province of Flemish Brabant and the eighth largest city of Belgium. It is also home to the oldest and largest university in Belgium.

During World War I on 25th August 1914 the city was ravaged by rampaging German soldiers, as they were in fear of Belgian franctireurs. Nearly 300 civilians lost their lifes and a sixth of the city was destroyed including the university library with its important book collection. The destruction of Leuven was one of cruelest German war crimes during World War I and contributed greatly to the propagandistic image of the Rape of Belgium.

With a matching stamp:
Centenary of World War I (two from set of five) (issued 06-10-2014)

Thank You very much Gerda!