Paep Thoon Statue, Leuven
The Paep Thoon Statue commemorates the legendary city jester, known for his witty jests and playful antics that left a lasting impression on the town's folklore. Born Anthoon vander Phalizen, Paep Thoon earned his moniker from his father's profession as a pastor and became famous for his humorous pranks, despite initially working as an organist and carillonneur. Banished from Leuven due to his mischievous behavior, Paep Thoon returned in a memorable fashion, riding into town with mud-covered feet from Liège, cleverly circumventing his exile.
Erected in 1961 on a bridge in the Brusselsestraat, the statue captures Paep Thoon's whimsical spirit, depicting him in the garb of a traditional jester with a mischievous grin, as he is fondly remembered for his playful antics and witty jests that endeared him to the townsfolk.
While tales of Paep Thoon's escapades abound, one intriguing legend surrounds his burial request, where he purportedly wished to be interred standing in the church, with his mouth positioned under a gargoyle to satisfy his eternal thirst. Although this request remains unconfirmed, it adds to the mystique surrounding the enigmatic figure of Paep Thoon, whose legacy continues to captivate the imagination of Leuven's residents and visitors alike.
Erected in 1961 on a bridge in the Brusselsestraat, the statue captures Paep Thoon's whimsical spirit, depicting him in the garb of a traditional jester with a mischievous grin, as he is fondly remembered for his playful antics and witty jests that endeared him to the townsfolk.
While tales of Paep Thoon's escapades abound, one intriguing legend surrounds his burial request, where he purportedly wished to be interred standing in the church, with his mouth positioned under a gargoyle to satisfy his eternal thirst. Although this request remains unconfirmed, it adds to the mystique surrounding the enigmatic figure of Paep Thoon, whose legacy continues to captivate the imagination of Leuven's residents and visitors alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leuven. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Paep Thoon Statue on Map
Sight Name: Paep Thoon Statue
Sight Location: Leuven, Belgium (See walking tours in Leuven)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Leuven, Belgium (See walking tours in Leuven)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Leuven, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Leuven
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leuven is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Leuven Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the heart of Belgium, the picturesque town of Leuven has no shortage of historic and cultural attractions. Its name is thought to originate from the Old Germanic word "Loven," meaning “to love or praise”, an explanation of which may be found in the Leuven slogan, “Always praise God.”
Leuven's roots date back to 891 when it was first mentioned after a Viking... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Leuven's roots date back to 891 when it was first mentioned after a Viking... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Leuven Monuments and Statues
Leuven, Belgium is a city steeped in history and culture, embellished with an assortment of monuments and statues that mirror its abundant heritage. Ranging from age-old landmarks to contemporary sculptures, each of them narrates a tale and contributes to the city's distinct allure. Whether paying tribute to historical luminaries, commemorating artistic triumphs, or simply enhancing the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles