2016 2017

CAPTIVATING from historic centre to design city on the water CITY ON THE WATER

The banks of the Leie and the course of the Old Leie are the place to be! The green zone is ideal for young and old to enjoy some undisturbed peace. And in the middle of a city! The banks bring you wonderfully close to the fresh water and the moored pleasure craft, so that you can sit on one of the delightful terraces and almost feel the water.

After the Middle Ages, the River Leie, and the linen and damask industry that grew up around it, played the leading role. Successfully too! From the 18th century Kortrijk enjoyed fame as the world centre for fl ax. Thanks to the creative entrepreneurship of its people, Kortrijk grew to become the vibrant, economic heart of the region.

A new Leie needs new bridges. Seven impressive examples redraw the Kortrijk skyline and aff ord it a distinctive, imposing appearance. No boring or identical copies, but seven distinctive bridges that will help both visitors and locals orientate themselves. Sometimes majestic big city structures, at other times bold zigzags.

2 CITY ON THE WATER

King Albertpark and skatebowl Texture, museum of Flax and river Recently King Leopold III and his horse gaze over an open park Texture tells the rich story of fl ax in three totally diff erent and the renewed Leie banks. Th e park, which is bordered by rooms. You start in the Wonder Room: a fun laboratory about the lowered river banks, forms the transition between the city fl ax in your everyday life. It is amazing how many products centre and the outskirts of the city, and is the ideal halting-place actually contain fl ax! Flax is now an inspirational material for for cyclists and walkers. Th anks to this design, the 100-year-old designers, scientists and entrepreneurs. You are welcome to Caucasian wingnut tree has a prime position. In and around the look, feel, sample, try it out and discover! Skatebowl, the whoops of young, ambitious skaters breathe extra Th e Leie Room recounts how the fl ax industry infl uenced the life into the area. development of this agricultural region, which evolved to become an industrial and urban area. It does so using authentic > King Albertpark and IJzerkaai visual material, heartfelt testimonies and intriguing objects. Th e Treasure Room displays a selection of masterpieces from the museum collection created from fl ax linens: lace, fi ne da- TIP mask, linen embroidery etc. Walking or ambling, cycling or racing, sunbathing and relaxing on a terrace, you can do all this and more > Noordstraat 28 along the Leie riverbanks. > [email protected] / www.texturekortrijk.be / + 32 (0)56 277470

3 Between the arms of the Leie you will fi nd Buda Island. It’s an island bursting with creativity.

Buda Beach and open air swimming pool workshops and studios. Th ere is a prototype lab with 3D printers, laser cutters and lots of other machines for creative people. In July and August, the Buda Beach turns into a beach with a sunbathing area and a bar so that locals and tourists alike can > Dam 2a enjoy the sunshine to the full. A little further along lies the > BudaLAB: every day from 13.00 to 21.00, closed on Saturday and Sunday outdoor swimming pool, which besides off ering endless fun in the water, is also a gem in terms of listed heritage.

> IJzerkaai en Abdijkaai Bubox BUBOX is a place for contemporary visual art in Kortrijk that resolutely opts for artists that strive to interact with the space Budafactory and its environment in an idiosyncratic and artistic manner. It off ers young, upcoming talent the physical space to experiment, Th e Buda Factory is an impressive venue where designers, entre- create and exhibit and the mental space to engage in a discourse preneurs, artists, students and active citizens work side-by-side. with the public. Th e architectural fi rm of the Government Architect Peter Swinnen took charge of the old building. A pentagonal section > Korte Kapucijnenstraat was added along the streetside to make the building’s façade more > Th-Sat : 14.00 to 18.00 / Su : 11.00 to 18.00 / Only open during projects visible. Th e building’s 3,000 m² provides space for exhibitions, > www.bu-box.be

4 CITY ON THE WATER

TIP Mad about film? Be sure to choose something from Budascoop’s specta- cular selection. It’s a cinema complex with an impressive history.

Buda Tower Sailing Architect Stéphane Beel has succeeded in giving the old brewery You could take a trip on the silent, Blue Velvet water taxi or a contemporary look. This old industrial building now has a new rent a comfortable motorboat to sail around Buda Island your- cultural role. Stéphane Beel added a glazed zone for staircases and self. You can of course sail on the Leie to and lifts to the old Tack Tower. if you want. Tourists with their own boat can moor it in the marina for a few days, right in the city centre with a view of the >> Korte Kapucijnenstraat Broel Towers. >> The Buda Tower can only be visited in the company of a guide. >> Guido Gezellepad >> www.de-keper.be en www.fb.com/Blue-Velvet-Watertaxi Kortrijk Concept Corner www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/en/node/121 In 2016, Designregio Kortrijk and Buda Arts Centre are crea- ting a concept corner, where you can experience the regional, unique mix of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in an original experience space.

>> Broelkaai 6

5 MEDIEVAL CITY OF THE GOLDEN SPURS

Kortrijk is peaceful today, but centuries ago it was in turmoil. After all, ever since its emergence as a Roman settlement, Cortoriacum has had much to endure. Yet despite frequent invasions and occupations, its inhabitants have repeatedly come out on top. On 11 July 1302 on the Groeningekouter, the Flemish amateur army even defeated the seemingly invincible professional French cavalry. More than seven centuries later, the Battle of the Golden Spurs continues to be widely celebrated. Kortrijk 1302 imprints this single unforgettable day of battle in your memory.

On the same location you can also fi nd the Visitor Centre for Kortrijk and the Leie Region. In fact you will realise that the whole city is strewn with traces of the Middle Ages. They include the sturdy Broel Towers and the elegant Belfry, the impressive Our Lady’s Church, the sober Saint Martin’s Church and the peaceful Beguinage

6 MEDIEVAL CITY OF THE GOLDEN SPURS

Kortrijk 1302 Beguinage and the experience center You are whisked back to that famous day in 1302, the Battle Th e sober beguinage, not surprisingly a UNESCO world heri- of the Golden Spurs, which was fought on the Groeningekou- tage site, is a wonderfully quiet oasis right in the busy city ter. You get to know the heroes and the footmen and hear the centre. It’s a place to experience some inner peace. Around the weapons clashing, you search high and low for the golden spurs. Saint Matthew Chapel (1464) you can fi nd about 40 small, 17th In short, you are at the heart of the action and fi nd an answer century, baroque houses, the Saint Anna Hall with its octagonal to all your questions. Was Jan Breydel involved in the fi ghting? winding staircase and the house of the Grootjuff rouw. In the Where was the Lion of ? And what did Conscience chapel, the Dutch organ from 1678 is one of the oldest and think of it? You won’t miss a detail! Kortrijk 1302 also makes a most authentic examples of its kind. In the Saint Anna room great family outing. Young and old alike can explore 1302 from (Sint-Annazaal) you will fi nd the experience centre. corner to corner in an exciting, active, fun and educational way. Here you will be immersed in many centuries of history in a re- markably dynamic manner. An audio guide for use during your > Begijnhofpark visit to the Béguinage and the experience centre can be obtain- > [email protected] ed from the Visitor Centre, located just outside the gate www.kortrijk1302.be TIP +32 (0)56 277850 A holder-de-bolder cart leads child- > Begijnhofstraat ren through Medieval Kortrijk. They > Begijnhof: 7.00 to 18.00 dress up and have to solve all kinds > Opening times Visitor Centre and Experience centre: Every day from of riddles. It has been an educational 10.00 to 17.00 / Closed on Monday. smash hit for years.

7 Broel towers graphical maps. In the Gothic Hall is a modern fresco by Jan van Imschoot, depicting the Battle of the Gulden Spurs. Th ese solid medieval towers are the only remnants of the city’s original walls and over the years have become the symbol of > Grote Markt 54 the city. Th e southern or Speye Tower (1385) was part of the > Visit the City Hall in July and August on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday reinforced fortifi cations of the Count’s castle. Th e northern and Sunday, from 15.00 to 17.00. or Ingelborch Tower (1413), was built for primitive artillery defence. Belfry > Broelkaai > De Broeltorens can only be visited in the company of a guide. Th is UNESCO world heritage gem dates from the 13th century. Th e Belfry is a remnant of the medieval cloth hall and contains a 48-bell carillon. At the top you can see Mercurius, god of City Hall commerce, and the famous bell-ringers Manten and Kalle. A real must! Th e 16th century façade of the late-gothic renaissance style City Hall is embellished with sculptures of the Counts of Flanders. > Grote Markt Inside you can fi nd the beautiful Aldermen’s hall and the impres- > The Belfry can only be visited in the company of a guide. sive Council Chamber with sculpted chimneys. Admire too the stained glass windows, the frescoes and the remarkable topo-

8 MEDIEVAL CITY OF THE GOLDEN SPURS

TIP In 1302, the Artillery Tower was an important drinking water tower. Later it became a storage depot for gunpowder and cannons. You can fi nd the tower behind the Church of Our Lady.

Our Lady’s Church Saint Martin’s Church and the Count’s Chapel Th is church dates back to the 12th century and was converted many times over. Th ere is a great harmony inside the church Th e fi rst bricks in this church’s long history were laid in the 13th between works of art that are centuries old and the modern century. Th e west façade, nave and transept still remain from the interior design. Some of the church’s treasures include the 16th early Gothic collegiate church. Th e two towers were constructed century Sacrament Towers, the Pentecost Triptych by Bernard at the end of the 13th century, while the chancel dates from the de Rijckere (1587) and the timeless 21st century altar, ambo 14th century. After the battle of Westrozebeke in 1382, most of and podium. Th e professionally designed treasury exhibits the church was rebuilt. In the 17th century its interior was deco- priceless church garments and silver from the 16th to the 19th rated in rich, baroque style. In 1370, Count Lodewijk van Maele century. had the Count’s Chapel built as his personal mausoleum. Th is We recommend a visit to the “Kelderke Gods” chapel has been equipped with a new touch screen that relates the (God’s Basement) place of worship. history of the chapel, off ers an overview of the magnifi cent wall paintings of the Counts of Flanders, and provides background on > Sint-Maartenskerkstraat the statue of Saint Catherine (a recognised masterpiece!). Today the church contains a number of important treasures such as Antoon Van Dijck’s Raising of the Cross.

> Deken Zegerplein

9 Hidden historical treasures in the city centre

Our Lady’s Hospital Groeninge Gate and Monument

Th is hospital was probably founded at the beginning of the Th e Groeninge Monument, the work of Godfried Devreese, 13th century. Via the monumental gate within its 17th century was erected on the site of the Groeningekouter. Th e gilded facade you reach a courtyard where you have the feeling that bronze monument portrays the Virgin of Flanders, the symbol time has stood still. A place to cherish. of fi ercely fought freedom. She triumphantly raises one arm, while keeping a roaring lion at bay with the other. Th e nearby > Budastraat 37 Groeninge Gate was raised in 1908 to commemorate the victo- ry of 1302. Baggaertshof > Plein Th e Baggaertshof was established in 1638 by Joossine Bag- gaert, who set up thirteen houses for poor women. Th ese tiny Medieval crypt houses, together with the chapel, surround a rectangular cour- tyard where you can enjoy a herb garden with more than 200 Th is crypt was discovered in 1955 during the construction of a varieties of herbs. supermarket at the corner of the Grote Markt. Dating from the late 12th century, it consists of one of the city’s fi rst founda- > Sint-Jansstraat 37 tion stones. Th e patrician’s houses point to the wealth of the inhabitants living in the immediate vicinity of the cloth hall.

10 MEDIEVAL CITY OF THE GOLDEN SPURS TIP There is plenty of historical architecture, but don’t forget to explore new Kortrijk with the architecture walking route (from past to present).

The typical Roman arches rest on heavy pillars. In 1983 this Saint Anthony’s Church precious gem became a protected monument.

>> Grote Markt - Doorniksestraat and the Cave of Lourdes >> The medieval crypt can only be visited in the company of a guide. The Church of Saint Anthony (1874) of the Passionist Order, renowned for Father Isidoor’s grave, was constructed in a poor workers’ district. It is the church of the common man, a site of Plein popular devotion. Its restrained neo-Roman architecture stands in stark contrast to its ornate neo-Gothic interior. No visit to The Plein looks peaceful today, but it’s had a turbulent past. In Kortrijk is complete without dropping in the 17th century 300 houses had to give way for the constructi- at the Cave of Lourdes. on of a citadel and barracks. In the middle of the military buil- dings was a drill ground square, the “plein” as we know it now. >> Wandelingstraat 33 Today it’s an oasis of serenity, with foliage tunnels, promenades and sparkling fountains. The central podium with its two stands regularly creates ambience. Design was by the Wirtz agency, which was established by Jacques Wirtz.

>> Plein

11 SHOPPING

Kortrijk boasted the fi rst pedestrian shopping street in . The shopping centre, “K in Kortrijk” is located in the heart of the city centre. This imposing architectural jewel houses no fewer than 94 shops.

Interested in more than fashion? Then scurry down to the Doorniksewijk, centre for delicatessens as well as home and lifestyle accessories. In the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe street you can fi nd plenty of beautiful objects. You could even pick up a unique antique here.

Three impressive shopping centres can be found in the city: K in Kortrijk, Ring Shopping Noord and Bouwcentrum Pottelberg. Markets are in the city centre every Monday morning.

Recommandations Anyone who loves to discover the crème de la crème will fi nd a fi ne selection of Kortrijk’s fashion desig- ners, elegant fashion, home & interior, antiques & vintage and lifestyle addresses on the website. Th e major advantage is that everything is located within walking distance.

> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en

12 SHOPPING

TIP Sunday Shopping The Kortrijk gift voucher is valid in On the fi rst Sunday of the month you can come and shop in several shops and you can choose Kortrijk city centre. Each Sunday shopping day has a theme, which means that you can fully enjoy an additional experience, the amount yourself. You can buy fun events and a great atmosphere. Th e cafés and bistros pull them: the Information counter at K in out all the stops too. Kortrijk, the Tourist Offi ce and the cash desk in the Town Hall.

13 WALKING AND CYCLING

Kortrijk has a lot to off er in terms of green and quality cycling and walking infrastructure. You can set out on a themed route or design one of your own using the numerous walking and cycling nodes.

Cycling Cycle hire Fancy discovering the nicest spots in and around Kortrijk? Th e- Fietsencentrum Mobiel vzw se cycling routes will take you on a giant voyage of discovery! > Minister Tacklaan 57 [email protected] / www.mobiel.be / +32 (0)56 249910 • Goedendagfi etsroute, distance 45 km • Fietsroute Marcel Kint, distance 30 km Toerisme Kortrijk • Vlastocht, distance 40,3 km > [email protected] / www.toerismekortrijk.be / +32 (0)56 277840 • Kanaal Bossuit-Kortrijk, distance 41 km > www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/node/106 Walking Rather stay with both feet fi rmly on the ground? If so, Kortrijk Cycling network map can still surprise you: Th e most attractive and safest cycle tracks in • ‘Metamorphosis of the city’ city walk, distance 4,3 km have been connected into a network of junctions. Where two or • Architecturewalk, distance 5 km (centre) more cycle tracks cross, there is a cycle junction. In this way, 200 • ‘10.000 steps’ through Kortrijk, distance 7,5 km (centre) numbered junctions have been selected in the Leie region. Armed • Argendaal footpath, distance 13,4 km (Bellegem) with these junction numbers you can combine them to devise • Twee beken walk, distance 12 km (Bissegem and Marke) your own personal cycle route. Puzzling has never been such fun! • Bevergemroute, distance 9,2 km (Kooigem)

> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/node/117

14 WALKING AND CYCLING

Walking network ‘Land van Mortagne’ ’t Hooghe Castle’s park. This park, of over three hectares in size and more than 125 years old, includes several remarkable trees. In Within the almost-rectangle formed by Bellegem, , 1959, a section of the park was turned into a rosarium. The rose Bossuit and Spiere-Helkijn, you will find the most beautiful walking garden includes an experimental garden, a demonstration garden paths which are connected to a larger network of over 150 km in and a historical garden. In the experimental garden, over 100 new length. The “Land van Mortagne” walking network has more than rose creations from European breeders are planted every year. The 120 crossroads! demonstration garden displays around 200 rose varieties

>> Kasteel ’t Hooghe, Doorniksesteenweg 218 Guided walks There are lots of guided walks with different themes. The guides Green area Marionetten, the Libel are qualified and provide their service in the language of your choice. On the first Sunday of the month individuals can also and Hof te Coucx take part in a themed walk. This area for quiet recreation, which spans 60 ha, is an ideal en- >> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/node/264 vironment where plants and animals can thrive. The Libel (dragon- >> www.gidsenplus.be, www.gidsenkringkortrijk.be en www.vizit.be fly), a multifunctional pavilion offering panoramic views. The “Hof te Coucx” visitor centre is the ideal starting point for a journey of discovery within the city’s green landscape. A few walking routes Rozentuin depart from here, and route maps can also be found here. The rose garden is situated at the heart of the historical green of >> Bosstraat

15 www.toerismekortrijk.be/en www.uitinkortrijk.be EVENTS www.kortrijkxpo.com Every day there’s always something happening in Kortrijk. So surf to the www.kortrijk.be website below and make a note of the best events in your agenda.

Sunday Shopping Eleventh of July celebrations Rally 6 hours of Kortrijk Every fi rst Sunday of the month July November

Spinrag - children’s arts Alcatraz Next and music festival August November Spring half term holiday Open Air Swimming Pool Sunday Shopping Kunstbende nal July - August & Super Shopping March December Matexpo Easter Fair September (Odd-numbered years) X-Mas Tournament April December Car-free Sunday Festival of Flanders Kortrijk September Christmas Market, Christmas ani- May mation, Christmas Fair, Fireworks Sonic City December Sport @ Kortrijk October May Feux d’Hiver Het Lekkerste Weekend December Sinksen (The Tastiest Weekend) Weekend of Pentecost October Christmas parade December Fair Design Week June & September October Nacht van de Schlagers show December Beachevents Busworld June October (Odd-numbered years) Velofolies January Perplx Biënnale Interieur June October (even-numbered years) And a lot more… Running events Classic Event June - July November (Odd-numbered years)

16 EVENTS

17 EATING AND HAVING A DRINK A city break in Kortrijk inevitably involves good food or relaxing on a terrace. Kortrijk offers plenty of choice and very high-quality kitchens.

Eating For a student hang-out you should go to the Vlasmarkt, ‘t Hoge or the Burgemeester Reynaertstraat. Classy gourmet restaurants where you can enjoy endless culinary delights, cosy bistros that serve highly esteemed Belgian classics, >> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/drink-dine pubs that make wonderfully healthy bowls of steaming soup, and swinging jazz cafés where trendy tapas are munched – in Kortrijk you find them next to each other! Everyone is excellent in its Specialities genre. Enjoy your meal! On our website you will find a selection of bistros and restau- The speciality of Kortrijk’s banquet bakers is the irresistible Kal- rants, with star classifications as well as a charming selection, letaart, a unique mix of frangipane, apples and Calvados. Sweet- specifically for explorers and tourists. tooths can find other delights, such as Peperbollen, Begijntjes and Kortrijkse Beschuiten. You will also be spoiled for choice when it comes to chocolate, with the Golden Spurs pralines and Beguine Having a drink praline. Kortrijk’s chocolatiers enjoy international repute. For a main course you can choose Kortrijkse Bil (veal). Ready for the Whether you choose an upmarket tavern, a cosy pub or a serious work? Try an Omer. Traditional blond or a Bockor beer, a swinging youth café, in Kortrijk you can be sure of one thing: Bellegems lager or try one of our select authentic beers. And don’t ambience! If chatting with friends and family while enjoying forget to taste our Copperhead and Blind Tiger gin. a touch of sun is your thing, then you need to sit at one of the Finish off with a coffee made by one of our very own baristas. terraces on the Grote Markt. Or maybe something more inti- mate, rounded off with a snack? Then get down to the Kapucij- >> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/node/34 nenstraatje on the Buda island or settle alongside the Leie and enjoy a coffee or local beer.

18 SLEEPING SLEEPING

On the website you will find a list of all the different accommodation options in Kortrijk, including prices. www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/node/2

Weekend Surprising Kortrijk Wellness If you book the Weekend Surprising Kortrijk you receive a love- Kortrijk and wellness are a perfect combination. There are opti- ly treat in the hotel or B&B you booked and receive a personali- ons galore if you are seeking total relaxation. A refined selection sed booklet that includes 22 advantages. You receive a discount of these establishments can be found on the website. for museums, when renting a bicycle or buying a walking map and you enjoy a little extra goodie or advantage in lots of res- >> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/node/97 taurants and bistros.

>> www.toerismekortrijk.be/en/weekend-kortrijk-surprised

19 UPDATE ‘Metamorphosis of the city’ city walk Th e new city walk doesn’t just take you past the city’s historical centre but also pays tribute to the metamorphosis that Kortrijk is currently undergoing. You can download an audio version of the walk for your smartphone from www.toerisme- kortrijk.be/en. Th e route is indicated by rivets on the ground.

Distance: 4.3 km - Start: Toerisme Kortrijk Practical Information:

Top 10-citymap 2016 Toerisme Kortrijk If you don’t like half measures, or wasting time, but still want to see all Begijnhofpark - 8500 Kortrijk the highlights of Kortrijk, then this is a list for you: 10 items not to be GPS: Houtmarkt, but due to construction work on missed in Kortrijk in 2016. this square it is best to use the Schouwburg underground car park. 1. Broeltowers +32(0)56 277840 2. Market Place with Belfrey and City Hall [email protected] 3. e Béguinage site and the Experience Centre, the Artillery Tower, www.toerismekortrijk.be the Church of Our Lady and the Saint-Martin’s church 4. e Battle of the Golden Spurs Opening hours: 5. ‘Métamorphosis of the city’ city walk Weekdays: 10.00 to 17.00* 6. Texture, museum of Flax and river Lys Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 to 17.00* 7. Exhibition WATER | WAR * from May to September open till 18.00. 8. K in Kortrijk and the shopping streets 9. Buda Island Texture, museum of  ax and river Lys 10. e banks of the Leie Noordstraat 28 - 8500 Kortrijk + 32 (0)56 277470 [email protected] www.texturekortrijk.be

Opening hours: Weekdays: 10.00 to 17.00* Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 to 17.00* * from May till September open till 18.00. Closed on Mondays. You can obtain the Top-10 city map for free from Tourism Kortrijk or download it from www.toerismekortrijk.be/en. Parkeren: www.parko.be Free Wi-Fi throughout the city centre. Photography: Leiedal en vzw Toerisme Kortrijk, David Samyn, Lieve Blanckaert, Luc Demiddele, Henk Deleu, B.A.D., Tony Decruyenaere Design: Team Communicatie - Stad Kortrijk / Publisher: Vincent Van Quickenborne, Grote Markt 54, 8500 Kortrijk