Kortrijk, Administrative center in West Flanders, Belgium
Kortrijk is an administrative center in West Flanders, Belgium, located near the French border. The city extends along both banks of the Leie river, where residential areas mix with parks and public squares.
The settlement began during Roman times as a roadside station and later grew into a trading town during the Middle Ages through linen production. A major battle took place here in 1302, contributing to the development of Flemish identity.
The name originates from the Latin Cortoriacum, meaning estate of Cortorius, referring to the early Roman settlement along the river. Locals speak Dutch and maintain Flemish traditions through weekly markets and neighborhood gatherings in the central squares.
The town center is easy to explore on foot, with most attractions within 0.9 miles (1.5 km) of the main train station. Marked paths along the Leie provide orientation and connect different neighborhoods together.
After the 1302 battle, victors collected over 500 golden spurs from fallen knights, which were later kept in the church treasury. These trophies gave the town its nickname and became a symbol of military success against a larger army.
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