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Kortrijk

Culture of Kortrijk. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The starting point of most tour itineraries is the Market Square situated in the center of Kortrijk. On the square there is Belfry (Belfort van Kortrijk), the first mention of which relates to 1307. The tower is the only part of the Chamber of clothiers that has survived to these days. In 1550 the old building was destroyed, and the Chamber was moved to another part of the city. It was decided to leave the beautiful tower, but because of the threat of collapse two floors of it were cut.

Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Kortrijk inhabitants

Locals have a very welcoming and hospitable attitude toward foreigners, they are always willing to talk with tourists who show interest in the national culture and history. However, there …

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In a short walk from the square there is a symbolic landmark - Begijnhof St. Elizabeth founded in the mid-13th century. Up until the late 17th century architectural complex has being continuously changing its appearance. It was rebuilt and supplemented by new buildings. Visitors are invited to visit the most beautiful buildings and rooms where state receptions took place a few centuries ago. There is also a museum there, which collection is devoted to the history of the architectural complex.

Among the most beautiful and attractive areas of the city, Broelkaai channel is noteworthy; this place is ideal for hiking. Several important historical sites, including the old arched Broelbrug bridge and Broeltorens tower are situated next to the channel. Towers are parts of fortifications that have been erected on banks of the river Lys in the early 14th century. Those towers are the only surviving elements of fortifications; the last large-scale reconstruction of buildings took place in the 15th century. Next to the channel is a bright religious landmark, the Church of Our Lady that attracts travelers with its original architectural style and rich decoration of the room. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Your active city break in Kortrijk. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Kortrijk is famous for its wonderful parks, so it will be more interesting for active tourists to come here during the warm season. One of the most beautiful places in town is Jardin des …

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Gravenkapel is also worth to look into. It has a large collection of statues and paintings, as well as portraits of Counts of Flanders. The age of some paintings is so great that art historians still can’t identify their authors; everyone would enjoy priceless works of art.

The building of the Town Hall (Stadhuis van Kortrijk) also differs with a unique architectural style. Built in the 14th century, it has repeatedly changed its look, so today it is very difficult to identify a particular architectural style. The tall building with narrow carved windows and graceful arches amazes with its elegance and severity. After a reconstruction town hall was made available for public access. All visitors can stroll through the beautiful corridors and spacious halls, admire the murals and antique interior decoration.

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Kortrijk

1. All important sights of Kortrijk are located near, so it’s recommended to have a walking tour around the city. 2. The most appropriate urban transport is a bus; it runs every day …

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Among the religious monuments, it is worth mentioning one more - Saint Anthony's Church and Lourdes Cave striking with its magnificent interior decoration. The exterior is made in Romanesque Revival style, and every element of the interior deserves attention - from the ceiling to the altar. A pleasant walk through the Begijnhofpark will be a memorable event for every tourist who decides to visit this green place. Besides eye-pleasing picturesque natural landscapes, it can boast a historical landmark - the Artillery Tower. Despite the name, it originally served other purposes - this is the only thing left of the once-existing old Town Hall. Built as a water storage facility, later it was converted into an armory.

Another interesting tower is Belfort van Kortrijk, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lonely standing on Grote Markt, it still attracts the attention of every tourist. The first mention of the tower dates back to 1307, later it was rebuilt several times - in particular, it was decided to shorten the structure in the 16th century. It is worth noting that this is the only part left from the Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) once famous throughout Europe. The attraction is also interesting from an architectural point of view - built of traditional red brick, it is decorated with wonderful sculptures.

Shopping in Kortrijk - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques

Popular shoe store Julien aimed at both men and women can be found on one of the main streets of Kortrijk. It offers customers one of the largest assortments of shoes in town, presenting …

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Belgium is known for its beautiful mills, which have been inherited from the Middle Ages. Three of them stand out in Kortrijk: Preetjes, Vanneste, and Aalbeke, each of which is worth visiting by tourists. At least in order to take a couple of great pictures - the area is truly unique and picturesque. For great experiences of watching fantastic theater performances, head to De Kortrijkse Schouwburg. However, not only the show but the building's Old Flemish architecture is of great interest. This is despite the fact that it was built in the early 20th century - architects sought to create a structure that would remind a building typical of medieval Flanders. The facade of the theater is especially attractive.

Another significant natural attraction is Astridpark. This is a beautiful green oasis of peace and tranquility, where it is always nice to walk in search of inspiration and silence. The park is built around ramparts that surrounded the city and is dedicated to Queen Astrid of Sweden, the wife of Leopold III of Belgium, who died in a car accident at the age of 29, which happened in 1935. The park is always well-groomed and clean. Searching for a shady place to relax won't take long - there are a lot of benches and gazebos here.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Kortrijk and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Kortrijk and surroundings

This guide to cultural sights Kortrijk is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Kortrijk - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Reference information

Map of all art museums

Art galleries in Kortrijk and around
♥ Art museum 'SONS Museum' Kruishoutem, 17.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Lille Métropole Museum of Modern' Villeneuve-d’Ascq, 23.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Palais des Beaux-Arts' Lille, 26.7 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai' Tournai, 27 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Kortrijk
♥ Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tournai, Tournai / Doornik, 26.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Benedictijner Abdij van Zevenkerken, Sint-Andries, 37.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Sint-Baafskathedraal, Gent, 40.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Sint-Salvators- en Donaaskathedraal, Brugge, 41.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Heilig-Bloedbasiliek, Brugge, 41.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilique Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, Bon-Secours, 44.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilique Notre-Dame de Tongre, Tongre-Notre-Dame, 45.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Culture of Kortrijk. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Kortrijk and surroundings

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Kortrijk

Landmarks of culture on Kortrijk map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Kortrijk