Grote Markt, Central marketplace in Kortrijk, Belgium
Grote Markt is the central marketplace in Kortrijk and features a curved eastern side lined with Gothic and Renaissance buildings. A distinctive belfry rises at its center and defines the architectural character of the entire square.
Grote Markt was created in 1899 after the Old Cloth Hall was demolished, merging several small separate markets for pottery, clothing, fruit, eggs, and dairy. The central structure at its heart was first documented in 1307 and remains one of the oldest features of the site.
The central belfry has been a symbol of the city for centuries and shapes how people experience the square today. A memorial honors those lost in World War I and creates a place of reflection within the busy marketplace.
The square is now a pedestrian zone with direct access to main shopping streets and was fully redesigned between 1999 and 2000. Visitors will find an open, easy-to-navigate space that is pleasant to walk through at any time.
The square's curved shape reflects where the first count's castle once stood and bordered this area during medieval times. This hidden connection is now visible only in the ground plan, yet it tells a story about the origins of the city.
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