Belgium, Kortrijk

Kortrijk is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province West Flanders. The wider municipality comprises the city of Kortrijk proper and the towns of Aalbeke, Bellegem, Bissegem, Heule, Kooigem, Marke, and Rollegem.

The city is situated on the River Lys, 42 km (26 miles) southwest of Ghent.

History

Cortoriacum was founded by the Romans at an important crossroads near the Lys River, then developed as a typical Gallo-Roman vicus. In the 9th century, Baldwin II, Count of Flanders established fortifications against the Normans. The town gained its city charter in 1190 from Philip of Alsace.

Most of the 15th century was prosperous under the Dukes of Burgundy, until the death of Mary of Burgundy in 1482, which ushered in renewed fighting with France.

Economy

The city is historically connected with the flax and the textile industry, and still today the textile industry remains important in the region. Major companies headquartered in Kortrijk include Barco and Bekaert.

Education

The KULAK, a campus of the Catholic University of Leuven, is located in Kortrijk. Other institutes of higher education include the KATHO and HOWEST university colleges.

Transport

Kortrijk lies at the intersection of three highways. The Belgian highway A19 and European roads E17 and E403. These highways can be reached from the ringroad R8 around the city.

The city has a small airport Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport, which is mainly used for business travels.