DISCOVER
KORTRIJK
CITY ON THE LEIE
With a map of the city centre on the rear
WELCOME TO KORTRIJK Historic buildings, a city undergoing a metamorphosis, with a lively atmosphere and full of hidden places. There is more than one reason for visiting our city on the Leie. This guide offers you a taste of Kortrijk and whisks you off on a journey of discovery. We know you’ll come back for more!
Historic centre 1
HISTORIC CITY HALL
The historic City Hall is the eye-catcher of the Grote Markt. The Counts of Flanders adorn the faรงade. The 16th century Aldermen's Hall and Council Chamber are definitely worth a visit. Grote Markt 54
R A guided tour can be booked via toerisme@kortrijk.be or on 056 27 78 40 (â‚Ź 75/per two-hour guided tour). Leiestraat and Rijselsestraat encircle the historic City Hall. In these streets you will find some great shops and the city library.
2
THE BELFRY
Kortrijk's Belfry is the remains of the medieval cloth hall and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Manten and Kalle, the famous figures that strike the hour, are featured on the east side of the spire. Grote Markt R The Belfry can only be visited in the accompaniment of a guide, which can be booked via toerisme@kortrijk.be or on 056 27 78 40.
3
GROTE MARKT
The atmospheric Grote Markt is the beating heart of the city. Located close to City Hall and surrounded by appealing terraces, it's the perfect place to take a break. During summer months you will find a children's sand playground here.
T 1923, is a ch dates back to hi w t, en um on es during This war m s that lost their liv ier ld so ijk rtr Ko e y architect tribute to th created by the cit as w It . ar W ld the First Wor . Joseph Demeere
EN WAR MONUM
On Monday the Grote Markt serves as the backdrop for the weekly market. Fresh, regional products are promoted by the traders that set up their stalls early in the morning.
4
ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH
This 12th century church has been rebuilt several times throughout the years. Inside you will find valuable artworks including in the redeveloped treasury that exhibits church garments and silver dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. The church tower was rebuilt after the fire of 1862 and houses a fully-fledged 19th century carillon. Via the neo-Baroque rotunda chapel you enter the devotion chapel, God's Vault 'het Kelderke Gods', an absolute must. R Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (From 1 October to 31 March: until 5 p.m.).
5
JOZEF VANDALEPLEIN
This square is situated right beside St. Martin's Church. Young catering establishments and shops provide some additional colour. During July and August this square and Sint-Maartenskerkhof is the venue for convivial summer markets.
Jozef Va nD (1716-1 ale 781) The pri congreg est founded a ati 1761 tha on of brothers in t for educ was responsible a also pio ting poor boys. nee He urban p red the concept oorhous o es in 177 f 4.
6
SINT-MAARTENSKERKHOF
Today, this former cemetery (until 1807) to the left of the church is a vibrant square offering some outstanding restaurants and bars. It's the perfect place to spend a cosy summer evening.
BOERENHOL
you will a little further If you walk on hs with its hol in the dept find the Boeren mains of e house. It is th re 'speelkubus' play l. na the former city ca
7
BEGUINAGE
Besides the lively city centre you will find the tranquil Saint Elisabeth BĂŠguinage. The BĂŠguinage was built in 1238 and features on the Unesco List of World Heritage Sites. You stroll past the little houses, the Gothic Saint Matthew Chapel and the charming house of the 'Grand Dame'.
Experience Centre In the superb, brand new experience centre you are guided through the many centuries of history in an interactive manner.
R The BĂŠguinage is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitor and experience centre: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday. R An audio guide is available.
8
THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY
The 13th century church was built after a lengthy construction period. The west facade, the nave and the transept remain from this early Gothic collegiate church. Don't forget to view the 'Erection of the cross' by Anthony Van Dyck in the side aisle of the church. In the famous Counts' Chapel you can admire unique portraits of all the successive Counts of Flanders. Deken Zegerplein
R Open weekdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat you will find antique and vintage shops
GUIDO
This priestGEZELLE was a cha and poet p church frolain at this m1 to 1889. 872
ARTILLERY TOW
ER
The Artillery Tow er, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the few rem ains of the medie val city w all. It was once used as a storage depot fo r gunpowder.
9
THE BROEL TOWERS
These remains of the former city ramparts are the symbol of Kortrijk. They were constructed by the Dukes of Burgundy to defend the city. Note the embrasures for arrows and cannons. The corbels around them also have openings through which enemies were attacked. In the southern tower (right) you can see the extension of a latrine. On the Broel Bridge stands Nepomucenus, patron saint of sailors and the drowned.
Broelkaai See also 35
R The Broel Towers can only be visited in the accompaniment of a guide, which can be booked via toerisme@kortrijk.be or on 056 27 78 40.
10
KORTRIJK 1302 & TOURISM
The Middle Ages are brought back to life in Museum 1302. Learn all about the Battle of the Golden Spurs and the history of the city. You will also find a tourism counter at the same location. Begijnhofpark
R Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open until 5 p.m. from 1 October to 30 April.
BĂŠguinage Park This spacious, open park occupies a central location in the historic centre. It was once the garden of Groeninge Abbey. It is currently used as a venue for outdoor events.
11
HOUTMARKT
The renovated Houtmarkt is a car-free square with a modern, underground car park that can accommodate 170 vehicles. The square is also home to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Kortrijk.
12
'T PLEIN
This former 17th century army training ground is a modern park where you will find total peace. Striking elements are the wooden grandstands with the central stage and refreshing fountains.
13
GROENINGE GATE AND THE VIRGIN OF FLANDERS
This park occupies the site of the 1302 Battle of the Golden Spurs. Both the gate and the statue were erected to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of the Golden Spurs.
Buda Island 14
HOSPITAL OF OUR LADY
The Hospital of Our Lady is one of the oldest hospitals in the country (1211). As a former guesthouse for vagrants, poor sick people were treated for free. Two Gothic arches on columns of blue stone are all that remain of the original hospital. The chapel (photo) with its Baroque faรงade dates from 1680-1690. Budastraat 37
R The inner courtyard is always accessible. The chapel is open every day: from 9.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Budastraat is home to some remarkable shops and catering establishments.
15
BUDASCOOP
You can enjoy the better non-commercial films in the former Pentascoop. The stunning building also serves as a location for contemporary performing artists to work and present their art. Kapucijnenstraat 10 Rwww.budakortrijk.be
16
BUDA TOWER
Today, the old Tack Brewery cooling tower is a space offering several rehearsal studios. The tower was completely modernised but its original silhouette is still visible. Korte Kapucijnenstraat
R De The Buda Tower can only be visited in the accompaniment of a guide, which can be booked via toerisme@kortrijk.be or 056 27 78 40.
17
HORSE STABLES
The former Tack Brewery horse stables are used to display leading contemporary art exhibitions. Korte Kapucijnenstraat Rwww.bu-box.be
18
BUDA FACTORY
The former De Smet-De Jaegere textile factory was converted into a creative location. Buda Factory is called the 'factory of the future' where designers, artists, students and entrepreneurs can create together. Dam 2A
Banks of the Leie 19
TEXTURE
Texture is the successor of the former Flax Museum. It uses a new method for recounting the history of the flax industry in the Kortrijk region. Today, flax forms an inspiring material for designers, scientists and entrepreneurs.
You are invited to look, feel, sample, try and discover! Noordstraat 28
R www.texturekortrijk.be R Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Monday. Open until 6 p.m. from May up to and including September.
20
BUDA BEACH
The city's summer hotspot. Here residents and visitors alike come to enjoy the sunshine and treat themselves to a tasty drink. R Continuous access. The bar is only open during summer months.
21
SKATEBOWL Covering no less than 850 m², skateboarders and roller skaters can have a ball in this unique skate bowl. It is the very first Belgian skate bowl constructed by the American Team Pain. IJzerkaai
R The Skate bowl is freely accessible.
22
KING ALBERT PARK
The King Albert Park is the ultimate oasis of peace for cyclists and walkers along the Leie. The Leie monument occupies a central position in the park, where the soldiers who perished in the Battle of the Leie in 1940 are remembered each year. Burgemeester Vercruysselaan
23
BRIDGES IN KORTRIJK
Over the past twenty years, the banks of the Leie have undergone a true metamorphosis. The Leie has been treated to no fewer than six new bridges that were all designed in a unique and original manner. The Collegebrug is the eye-catcher, the cyclist and walker's bridge, which meanders across the Leie.
Music and theatre district The fact that Kortrijk is known for being the ultimate city of music in West Flanders is no coincidence. The former music site at Conservatoriumplein, which was divided into three separate blocks, was converted in 2017, into a single music centre 'Track' where all the partners are afforded a place from which they collaborate on Kortrijk Muziekstad. It is home to Wilde Westen, Vlamo, Kortrijks Conservatorium, Respiro Dell' Arte, Radio 2 West-Vlaanderen, Quindo, Chemisch Circus, Schouwburg Kortrijk, MuziekcafĂŠ Pand.A and VDAB (Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training) stage technician course and ATHENA audio production course. We elaborate on a few.
24
SCHOUWBURG
The Kortrijk Schouwburg’s programme features more than just music. It is virtually the largest performing arts centre in Southwest Flanders. The building that dates back a hundred years is summed up as a théatre à l’italienne. Over 800 spectators look out from a parterre and three balconies on to an immense frame that holds the stage. Schouwburgplein R www.schouwburgkortrijk.be
25
CONCERTSTUDIO
This atmospheric concert hall is a pioneer due to its exceptional acoustics, and offers space for 224 music lovers. Conservatoriumplein
26
DE KREUN - WILDE WESTEN
At the end of 2016, VZW De Kreun and VZW Festival joined forces to create Wilde Westen. This concert and festival organiser strives to appeal to a wide audience in the broad region. The music hall can accommodate 600 music fans. Conservatoriumplein R www.wildewesten.be
Shopping and walking district 27
SHOPPING -WALKING STREETS
In the car-free streets in the city centre you will find all the shops you could think of, from major chains to welcoming boutiques. Did you know that in 1962, Korte Steenstraat became the first car-free shopping street in the country? Just outside the city centre, along the extension of the Doorniksestraat you arrive in the Doornik district that boasts lots of gorgeous boutiques.
28
K IN KORTRIJK
Fashionistas can shop to their heart's content in K in Kortrijk. This hypermodern shopping centre is right in the city centre and offers a mix of home deco, fashion and electronic items. R www.k-in-kortrijk.be R Open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday until 8 p.m. Closed Sunday except on Sunday shopping dates.
29
BAGGAERTSHOF
This hidden gem, situated in the middle of the shopping and walking area, was founded by the Baggaert sisters in 1638 for poor widows and unmarried women. The small chapel and the centuries-old herb garden are a definite must-see. A creative children's studio was recently set up in Baggaertshof. Sint-Jansstraat 37
R Spring and summer: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Autumn and winter: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday, Friday and on public holidays.
Outside the centre 30
ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH/ BROTHER ISIDORE
This stunning painted 19th century church is famous for its beautified Brother Isidore. It is a popular pilgrimage site. The adjacent Lourdes Cave is a haven of peace. Wandelingstraat 33
31
QUEEN ASTRID PARK - MINIGOLF
The former People's Park was given its current name following a visit by Queen Astrid in 1935. Every summer you can have a whale of a time playing minigolf here. R Open: from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (last game tees off at 6 p.m.). Every Saturday and Sunday | Every public holiday and bridge holiday | Every afternoon during school holidays | also every Wednesday afternoon as of June.
On the way to Queen Astrid Park you walk through Overleie. This district is undergoing a complete metamorphosis. You will find the newly constructed Sint-Amandsplein here.
32
ROSE GARDEN
The international rose garden dates back to 1959 and is located in Kasteel 't Hooghe, along the Doorniksesteenweg in Kortrijk. The gardens were totally relaid in 2003 by the West Flanders provincial authorities. Kasteel 't Hooghe, Doorniksesteenweg 218
33
RINGSHOPPING KORTRIJK NOORD
This shopping centre on the border with Kuurne offers 35,000 m2 of shopping pleasure. Major advantages are easy access and free parking. Ringlaan 34 Rwww.ringshopping.be
Urban regeneration 34
KORTRIJK WEIDE
This new part of the city is one of Kortrijk's latest hotspots. The Depart events hall can accommodate 1,500 partygoers. Head down to the Urban Sports Park if you fancy climbing, free running or skating. The central Nelson Mandelaplein can hold almost 15,000 spectators. There will also be an ecological city park and a brand new olympic swimming pool. The start-up incubator offers space for 85 new entrepreneurs. It is a bustling community where knowledge, experience and expertise are exchanged and where entrepreneurs and established businesses can work together.
35
LOWERING THE BANKS OF THE LEIE
The lowered quay walls have transformed the area of the Broel Towers into the city's calling card. For example, Broelkaai 6, the former Broel Museum, will become the gateway to the island. Due to be completed in April 2018.
36
AREA AROUND THE STATION
The station and its entire surrounding area will undergo a total transformation over the next few years. There will be more green spaces, attention to vulnerable road users, a tunnel and an underground car park. The aim is to improve mobility and quality of life in the area. This ambitious project will take around ten years to complete.
More info Kortrijk has even more to offer. Treat yourself to a culinary extravaganza at one of the refined addresses or let yourself go wild in our trendy fashion boutiques. You can find all the info you need about overnight accommodation, walking routes and guides etc. on:
WWW.TOERISMEKORTRIJK.BE
Pedestrian signage The pedestrian signs will guide you to all the places of interest. Each district is characterised by its own colour and symbol. •
Historic centre
•
Buda Island
•
Shopping and walking district
•
Banks of the Leie
•
Music and theatre district
Accessibility PARKING IN THE CITY
Underground car parks are cheap and the first hour is free. What's more, the parking guidance system will show you the shortest route to an available spot. More info: www.parko.be
KORTRIJK CYCLES
Kortrijk is fully committed to cycling with, for example, bike repair points, bike sheds and bike sharing etc. Bike hire: www.mobiel.be Bike sharing: www.mobit.be
BUS
www.delijn.be - 070 22 02 00
TRAIN
Several train connections will bring you right into the centre. More info: www.nmbs.be
3
Br ug se
at tra ijs sd
st ra at
oo Pr
at
Kap
t raa elst
sm Dik
ek uid
aai
rkaa Ijze
Burg.S
raat Gasst
aat nstr ette
chinke
oll R ek
laan
t straa
ds Sint-splein t-Aman d Sin Aman
ge Kolle
Anna Sint-beluik
tra
of en h kor Ver
n Pottekers bak k hoe
k
t straa
Ring
s
m rda ste e Am oortj P
s eie
es lgh je Ve oort P
R 36
lstraat
straat Noord
straat Doorn
i
18
iek Fa br
str
19
t aa str da Bu
n echtlaa Lambr eester Burgem
nenstr cij 15 pu a K
14
Nijverheidskaai Vlaskaai
traat erss Bo tenko p
str Pape n
t jn s
t raa
t aa
s Ca
Tolstraa t
or t G po ter Wa
ar rm ve Ha Stationsstraat
tr ns lfij Pa n Ja
in p le ino
in ple i um
26
Kongoweg
ersi Jan P
is ged Ha enstr s
25
lein inop Cas
r to va
r ato er v
ns Co
Oude Vestingsstr
er ns Co
traat Zands
t aa str na ale
in ple i um
1
St-Michiels plein at sestra Rijsel
raat
t traa
34
Geestst
eels K as t
m La
str nce
Roeland Savery s tr
er est me rge Bu
s ci e C on drik Hen
Ha
a at Leiestr
t raa elst
L. Robbe plein
at ra fst ol N . rg Bu
Dolfijnkaai
Vis rkt ma
Heilige
de
te Kas
g str nin d IKo pol o Le
t aa str olf N . rg
Bu
brech t laan
kt
yn . Re urg tra Stations B s 36 plein Do
STATION
Guldensp
n hu et f J. B ho
en nd laan Va in. oom M b re
oorpad Minister Tacklaan 43
gd Ma
Ou
it
t traa erss
tr r ts
ond str Edmratere P De
He
Kasteelkaai
aat estr r we is Ve J. Baptist Lou De Jonghestr eltpl osev plein P. Ro osevelt P. Ro
at
e ya
Be rik nd
Reepkaai
ai
aat Belfaststr
no Be ter aat Pe str
ra sst
Blek
l ei Pa
aat rsstr
M ee
Handelska
Schippers straat
Handelskaai
Havenkaai
traat eheers R 36 B
eg lw
ke
sk a
ai
R 36
g we
Blekerij
er l Ov
ank
elban M os s
nse M ee
Bu
R 36
31
s e lb M os
t raa
aan erl aey
s se ys ru je rc rt Ve Poo
at stra
raat
st ren
af Gra
e Sm De
e ndamm beluik
laan
m loe
t raa est jks r tr i Ko
b Vlas
Ga
H
t
aat st r ers erd
N De
R 36
33
K
urg. Vercr
uys sela an nin
Ko
R 36
ad gerp Wikin
g Albertpark
22
gshopping
o Ge zelle p
Ab d
ad
Vla a
nd ere nk
nis Mi
20
g we ters
ijka ai
21
L ter
23
Rui
Kon i ng Alber t par k
Guid
aai
ieb rtla ae
an R3
6
Korte Kapucijnens
Dam
at str a Ge nts e Rom eins elaa n
R3 6 Ple in
Groeninge Stbeluik Janshof
t Pluim straa
Guldenspoorpad
N 50
Wandelweg
rt
R 03
nselaa n
Romei
Zwevegemsestra at
Jan
R 036 slaan z
Sint
Veemarkt Slachthuisstraat
32
t aa str
TUNNEL
ers
selaan ein R om
KleinestrSiaantt Jans
Keer der Vlamingen str
Spoor weglaan
Rozentuin
Vlamingenstraat
Nieuwstraa t
Tuinstraat
J o Si n ris tst ra oornikselaan at
Me
jstr teri Pot
tstr kt Vlasmar
t
traat aards Wijng
oo
e ng
str
at
28
ep
La
laas -Nik
Baggaerts hof Ja 29 ns stra at
ing
Gro enin gela 6z an
n
Sint Vo
or
str
elaan ning Groe z R 0 36
i Ple
stra
n
13Gro
tSin
27
sstr ing
i Ple
t aa str
Grote Kring ort o p n
stra Sion
e ng La
en Ste
e Ste
e Lekkerbe
ein
aat nstr Stee
gp l bur ou w S ch
plein
Overbeke plein
jze tr Gri terss s Zu
e Kort
5Jozef Vandale
12
en
r
Begijnhof tens Maar Sint-rkhof ke
3
ek be rel str Ha s e
tr
Plein
es Lei
11
ge- t Lan gstraa Bru
7
Ves t
Plein
Hout markt
fpark Begijnho
Begijnhofst
O.L. Vro uwe
ine
10
8
6 Grote 4 Markt Sint-Maartens kerkstr str ikse or n Do
24
K le
r
t ark
oortje oitsp B en
st zelle G.Ge
2
N4
traat Groeningess
Deken Zegerpl
at Piete laere r De C ocke straa t
3
i
pad
Ge
G
Kapitt elstra a t
m aan Gr
r nae aat
35
tskaai Verze aat str boog
9
t ven Konstraat
and
aai
o uid
k aa
le zel
r
lk Broe
Dam
m
ertst Taya
i lkaa Broe
5
Da
16
Burg
17
N8 Sint-Antoniusstraat
Wa 30 nd elin gst raa t
COLOPHON A production by: the City of Kortrijk’s communication/citymarketing/ protocol team Design: Connie Janssens Photos: Kattoo Hillewaere, BelgaImage, Florence Vancolen, François Berland, stad Kortrijk Edition: septembre 2017 Responsible editor: Vincent Van Quickenborne, K. Leopold I-straat 13/0042, 8500 Kortrijk