Summary
In the Medieval era, the city situated along the Leie River thrived due to a prosperous flax and linen industry, facilitating trade with England and France.
Kortrijk is also renowned for the Battle of the Golden Spurs (1302), a significant victory for Flanders against the French, which is now commemorated by a national holiday for the Flemish Community.
Subsequently, the Treaty of Kortrijk (1820) established the border between Belgium and France, a boundary that remains in effect today.
With its Medieval churches, an intact 17th-century beguinage, and iconic towers, Kortrijk is rich in history while also distinguished by its modern urban development.
In recent decades, the Leie River has been modified to accommodate large vessels, necessitating a substantial regeneration project. Additionally, in the 20th century, the historic city center was transformed into one of Belgium’s largest pedestrian zones.
1. Begijnhof Kortrijk
Resembling an enchanting village amidst a network of alleys within the historic city, the UNESCO-listed beguinage of Kortrijk was established in the 13th century by Joan, Countess of Flanders (1199-1244). This complex served lay religious women and is situated between the city’s two primary churches. Over time, it has suffered several ravages, particularly during the historic Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. The 41 residences date back to the 17th century, with the Mother Superior’s (Grootjuffrouw) house identifiable by its distinctive double-stepped gable.
The ground floor of the Sint-Annazaal, featuring a remarkable corner tower, encompasses an experience center detailing the significance of this site and beguinages in general.
Additionally, a show-house located at No. 41 provides insights into life within the beguinage, near the main entrance to the courtyard.
The entire site is available for free exploration, and visitors can obtain an audioguide to enrich their understanding of the Beguinage and its historic context.
2. Broeltorens
Beginning in the 9th century, the Counts of Flanders constructed a castle and defensive structure in what now constitutes the center of Kortrijk.
All that remains of the Medieval fortifications are two circular sandstone and limestone towers located on either side of the Oude Leie River.
These are known as the Broeltorens, and despite their similar appearances, the towers were constructed during different periods for distinct purposes.
The Speytorre, located on the southern side, was built in 1385 to regulate traffic on the Leie.
In contrast, the Inghelburghtorre, situated across the river, dates back to 1415 and was originally an armory.
These structures were once part of a broader Medieval defense system that was dismantled in the 17th century by the renowned military engineer, Vauban.
The connecting bridge, known as Broelbrug, suffered destruction in 1918 and again in 1940 before being restored to its original design.
3. Kortrijk 1302
Located in Begijnhofpark, this multimedia history museum occupies a structure that was part of the Cistercian Groeninge Abbey.
This abbey was established in the 13th century, but following the destruction of the original abbey outside the city walls by Spanish forces, a new one was constructed within the city limits in the 1580s.
The museum resides in a dormitory building that was constructed in the 17th century.
The year 1302 refers to the Battle of the Golden Spurs during the Franco-Flemish War (1297-1305), which took place nearby at the Fields of Groeninge, culminating in an unexpected victory for the Flemish army.
This battle later became a significant historical marker, with July 11 recognized as the official holiday of the Flemish community in Belgium.
The museum provides comprehensive information about the battle, its causes and repercussions, and illustrates how this date became a symbol for the Flemish Movement in the 19th and 20th centuries.
4. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
In the aftermath of the Battle of the Golden Spurs, the victors hung the golden spurs of 500 deceased French knights from the ceiling of this former collegiate church.
The original spurs were later stolen, and replicas now hang in their place.
This church, primarily Romanesque in design, was constructed at the close of the 12th century within the confines of the castle established by the Counts of Flanders.
The western wall, nave, and transept of the initial structure remain, while the remainder was renovated throughout the 15th century.
Subsequently, a Baroque update was added to the interior.
In the 14th-century Gravenkapel (Counts’ Chapel), visitors can admire exquisite wall paintings, stained glass, and a depiction of Holy Catharina, recognized as a masterpiece.
In 1631, canon Roger Braye commissioned Anthony van Dyck to create a painting titled the Raising of the Cross for the church, which was removed during the French Revolution but returned to the altar in 1817, where it remains today.
5. Grote Markt
Interestingly, the main square at the historical core of the city only materialized at the close of the 19th century following the demolition of the Oude Lakenhalle (Old Cloth Hall) adjacent to the Belfry.
Prior to this, a series of smaller squares existed here, each dedicated to markets for various goods, including eggs, groceries, pottery, fruits, and textiles.
When examining a map of Grote Markt, you will notice that the eastern side features a curve, which marks the site of the lost walls of the 9th-century castle erected by Baldwin II, Count of Flanders.
The square was pedestrianized from 1999 to 2000, and among its notable features are the Historisch Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the Belfry, both of which will be addressed shortly.
Also deserving of attention is the townhouse Den Roeland at No. 19, which, despite its 18th-century Neoclassical facade, has a history extending deep into the Middle Ages.
This building rests on a 13th-century brick-vaulted basement and has served various purposes throughout its existence, including a school, warehouse, 18th-century headquarters for the English Army, army hospital, and Masonic lodge.
6. Historisch Stadhuis
Drawing attention on the north side of Grote Markt is the stunning historic town hall, featuring a core from 1418 and a facade completed around 1520. This structure exemplifies a transitional style between Late Gothic and Renaissance architecture, notable for the 14 niches on the first floor containing sculptures of the Counts of Flanders.
Visitors can enter to explore the Vierschaar (Aldermen’s Hall) and the Raadzaal (Council Chamber). The former was utilized until 1787 and now serves as a venue for weddings.
While inside, observe the stained glass windows, 19th-century murals, the intricately carved allegorical figures representing Lady Justice supporting the ceiling beams, and the impressive Late Gothic mantelpiece from 1527. The Council Chamber also hosts another exquisite mantelpiece, intricately carved from sandstone and wood, depicting the allegorical figures of Righteousness (Left) and Peace (Right), with Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor at the center.
Additionally, remarkable carvings can be found in this chamber where the beams meet the walls, illustrating passages from both the Bible and classical literature.
7. Texture Museum
A visit to this museum, which opened in 2014 under a striking golden crown, will provide a deeper appreciation of Kortrijk’s historical and contemporary narratives.
The Texture Museum narrates the story of flax cultivation in the Leie Valley, elucidating the process by which this crop was converted into linen, which served as Kortrijk’s economic backbone for centuries.
While the nobility invested heavily in lace and damask, the region produced vast quantities of basic textiles for the general populace.
By the 14th century, “Courtrai Flax” gained prominence as a market leader and was highly sought after internationally.
Located west of the city center in the Overleie district, the museum occupies a repurposed depot (1912) for “swingled” flax.
Visitors can explore three primary rooms: The Leiekamer, which provides insight into the flax industry and its key players in the Leie region; the hands-on Wonderkamer, showcasing modern applications of flax; and the Schatkamer, which boasts a remarkable textile collection rich with lace and damask.
8. Belfry
A long-standing symbol of Kortrijk, the belfry was added to the market square in the early 14th century as the city emerged as a center for the Flemish cloth industry.
For centuries, until the very end of the 19th century, this now free-standing tower was part of the Oude Lakenhalle (Old Cloth Hall) complex.
This complex housed the Cloth Hall before it eventually relocated to larger premises in the mid-16th century.
These buildings were demolished at the turn of the 20th century as part of a health improvement initiative in the old town.
The tolling of the tower’s bell played a vital role in the city, marking time, work hours, emergencies, and various events.
As it appears today, the structure’s design dates from 1520, and the gilded statue of Mercury atop it was installed in 1712. The current jacquemarts, a man named Manten and a woman called Kalle, were added during the post-war restoration in 1961, and on Sundays, holidays, and market days, the carilloneur may perform a small concert.
9. Sint-Maartenskerk
Founded in 650 by the Merovingian Saint Eligius (588-660), a church was established on this very site. This building evolved into a Romanesque place of worship, which was later replaced in the 14th and 15th centuries by the current Gothic structure.
The tower’s impressive height dominates the skyline of Grote Markt to the west and at 83 meters, remains one of the tallest edifices in Kortrijk.
In 1862, the tower’s ornate wooden spire was struck by lightning, resulting in destruction of the spire and damage to the choir, side chapels, and St. Anna chapel.
These sections were soon restored in a neo-Gothic style.
Visitors should take the time to admire significant artworks inside, including the Triptych of the Holy Spirit (1587), illustrating the creation of Adam and the baptism of Jesus.
Additionally notable is the sacrament tower for Eucharistic bread, which rises 6.5 meters and was constructed in 1585. The 15th-century Sint-Elooiskapel (Eligius) has been transformed into a treasury, allowing visitors to appreciate other masterpieces from the church, including altar hangings and works from the 17th century.
10. Baggaertshof
Situated on Sint-Jansstraat in the eastern part of the old center, this preserved almshouse was established in 1638 for 13 impoverished women.
Named after its founder, Josijne Baggaert, the Baggaertshof features 13 small residences and a chapel, facing inward toward a rectangular courtyard.
A strict curfew was enforced (8 PM in winter), and residents were required to pray every evening in the chapel to express gratitude to their benefactors.
Prominently displayed at the altar of the chapel is a polychrome sculpture of the Madonna with Child, crafted in 1626 by the Kortrijk master-sculptor Jan Bolle Veys, with painting by fellow Kortrijk artist Joes van Moerkercke.
The herb garden at Baggaertshof has been meticulously cultivated over the centuries, featuring rare plants such as a white mulberry, a visually striking holly tree, a black locust, lilac, and a hazelnut tree.
In 1981, a medicinal garden was also established here, cultivating over 300 different herbs.
11. Pedestrian Shopping Streets
Kortrijk has distinguished itself as a prominent innovator in urban planning.
Korte Steenstraat in the old center became the first pedestrianized shopping street in Belgium in 1962. Centered around this street, along with the adjacent Lange Steenstraat, is one of the nation’s largest car-free zones, filled with many well-known brands, as well as cafes, confectioneries, and bakeries.
In 2010, this shopping experience was further enhanced by the introduction of the K in Kortrijk shopping mall on the eastern side, featuring 90 retailers, including H&M, Zara, HEMA, Claire’s, Casa, C&A, Esprit, and MediaMarkt.
12. Banks of the Leie
Upon visiting the banks of the Leie, one can observe a waterway significantly molded by human intervention over centuries.
The arm south of Buda Island, situated between the Broeltorens, represents the natural Oude Leie.
The Nieuwe Leie was adapted for the transportation of goods as far back as the 1580s, although the most substantial alterations have occurred in the past four decades.
To facilitate the navigation of vessels weighing up to 4,400 tons between France and the Scheldt, the Leie was deepened and widened, necessitating a comprehensive urban renewal effort in Kortrijk that introduced additional greenery and recreational spaces such as Buda Beach.
From 1997 to 2012, six new bridges were constructed over the river in Kortrijk, revitalizing the surrounding cityscape.
As part of the same initiative, the banks adjacent to the Broeltorens were lowered, creating picturesque areas that feature steps and benches.
13. Buda-Eiland
An outcome of enlarging the Leie, this island situated between the river’s two channels has undergone significant expansion in recent decades.
Buda, historically positioned on the north bank of the Leie, is part of the historic center. However, an extensive urban renewal project has transformed the island into a hub for creative industries.
Visitors can explore contemporary visual art at BUBOX, view acclaimed independent films at Budascoop, or enjoy live performances across various disciplines at Buatoren.
At the island’s north-east corner lies Buda Beach, an artfully designed park featuring a café, sand, and deckchairs for summer relaxation.
14. Stadswandelroute ‘Metamorfose van de stad’
The tourism office has established a walking route throughout Kortrijk, marked on the ground with embossed copper rivets.
Beginning at Begijnhofpark, the “Metamorphosis of the City” route will guide you to all the major attractions while also showcasing the newly developed areas along the banks of the Leie.
A map can be purchased from Toerisme Kortrijk, and there is also an audio version available for smartphones, filled with engaging facts and anecdotes that may not be readily apparent.
Both resources are accessible in English as well as Dutch and French.
15. Internationale Rozentuin Kortrijk
This stunning formal rose garden is located in the southern part of Kortrijk, within the grounds of Kasteel t’Hooge, a manor house dating back to the 1830s.
Spanning one hectare, the Internationale Rozentuin was established in 1959 as an experimental garden, where approximately 100 to 150 new varieties of roses developed across Europe are tested over a two-year period.
Following this timeframe, an international jury evaluates each rose based on criteria such as fragrance, disease resistance, and the appearance of its blooms and foliage.
Adjacent to the experimental garden is a demonstration area, showcasing around 200 varieties that have satisfied the jury’s standards over the years.
The Internationale Rozentuin is open to the public, and admission is free, with the garden being at its peak from June to September.
