Wilsele

Sub-municipality of the city of Leuven, Belgium

Sub-municipality of Leuven in Flemish Community, Belgium

Coat of arms

Location of Wilsele

Location of Wilsele in Leuven

50°54′00″N 4°42′00″E / 50.90000°N 4.70000°E / 50.90000; 4.70000Country

BelgiumCommunity

Flemish CommunityRegion

Flemish RegionProvince

Flemish BrabantArrondissementLeuvenMunicipalityLeuvenArea

• Total8.94 km² (3.45 sq mi)Population

(2020-01-01)

• Total9,892 • Density1,100/km² (2,900/sq mi)Postal codes

3012

Area codes016

Wilsele (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈʋɪlsələ]) is a sub-municipality of the city of Leuven located in the province of Flemish Brabant, Flemish Region, Belgium. It was a separate municipality until 1977. On 1 January 1977, it was merged into Leuven.^[1]

The Canal Leuven-Dijle which runs from Leuven to Mechelen passes through Wilsele and separates this part of Leuven into two parts: Wilsele-Dorp (Wilsele-Village) and Wilsele-Putkapel. Due to the physical separation, both parts have gone their own way for many years. Only recently Leuven has opened a bridge over the canal.

The central area of Wisele is situated between Wilsele-Dorp and Wilsele-Putkapel. There is a partial town hall, subsidiary site of the city library and police, as well as a sports and cultural centre. Also the presence of the Centrumstraat (Centre Street) opposite to the town hall is a witness of the past of this part as the village centre.

Part of Wilsele is located on the Keizersberg ("Emperor's Hill") or Boellenberg. The Keizersberg is the site of a beautiful abbey.^[2] The abbey houses many students from Leuven.