Groeninge Monument, Historical monument in Kortrijk, Belgium.
The Groeninge Monument is a memorial in Kortrijk featuring a gilded bronze statue of the Virgin of Flanders holding a spear with the Flemish Lion at its summit. It stands in Groeningepark at the exact location of the medieval battlefield and is accompanied by a triumphal arch called Groeningegate.
The monument was built to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of the Golden Spurs, where Flemish forces defeated French troops in 1302. Its creation took longer than expected, and it was finally unveiled on August 5, 1906.
The Virgin of Flanders with the Flemish Lion represents a symbol of Flemish identity that visitors can see displayed at the park today. This imagery shapes how people experience the space and shows how historical pride is woven into the city's public spaces.
The monument sits in Groeningepark, an easily accessible public green space in the city center where visitors can stroll around comfortably. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when you can clearly see the details of the statue and the arch.
Sculptor Godfried Devreese created this work, which stands out for its impressive height and can be viewed from different angles throughout the park. The extended creation process resulted in a polished execution that still draws the attention of park visitors today.
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