The Grote Markt, the Belfry and the City Hall

Right in the middle of the square is the Belfry (Unesco World Heritage Site), a remnant of the medieval cloth hall. At the top are the famous bell strikers Manten en Kalle. The Grote Markt also features the City, in late Gothic Renaissance style. Inside, you will discover the splendid aldermen's hall and council chamber with sculpted mantelpieces.

Kortrijk already possessed an 'aldermen's hall' in the 14th century, which was completely destroyed following the victory of the French in the Battle of Westrozebeke in 1382. The current town hall (stadhuis) was constructed circa 1520, in a Gothic-Renaissance transition style. Statues of the main Counts of Flanders were erected in the alcoves of the facade, which was subjected to all kinds of alterations particularly in the 18th century, even defacement. Inside the city hall you can admire the aldermen's hall and the council hall with 16th century carved fireplaces. It also boasts stained glass windows, wall paintings and noteworthy topographic maps. The Late Gothic fireplaces date from 1527 and represent Kortrijk city hall's ultimate showpiece.

Location: Grote Markt 54

Open: in July and August, the historic town hall is open every day from 2 to 6 pm.

During the other months, the Town Hall can be visited on request with a guide at toerisme@kortrijk.be.

The belfry (Belfort) stands in the centre of the Grote Markt and was part of the former cloth hall. The earliest mention of the cloth hall dates back to 1248. The belfry is an imposing square tower, slightly sunk into the market square. This is due to the market being raised throughout the centuries. The view from the tower was mainly determined in 1520 with the reconstruction of the upper section of the tower and in 1899 with the demolition of the surrounding buildings. The spire features a gilded statue of Mercury (the god of trade) from 1712, and Manten and Kalle, the two figures that strike the hour, adorn the front. On the southeastern side you will find the war memorial to commemorate the First World War, unveiled on 15 July 1923. The tower was declared a listed monument in 1937.

Location: Grote Markt

Open: the belfry can only be visited with a guide.

Did you know that:
In 1382, the original bell striking automaton (Manten) was taken as war booty by Philip the Bold and donated to the city of Dijon? The bell striker is located on the tower of the Church of Our Lady. A whole assortment of figures were added over the years, known locally as "les Jacquemarts de Courtrai".