Kortrijk, Belgium

Kortrijk (French: Courtrai) is a city and municipality located in West Flanders, Belgium.

The city is situated on the River Lys 42 km (26 miles) southwest of Ghent, at the map coordinates 50 50N 03 17E. It was founded by the Romans, who called it Cortracum. Kortrijk gained great importance as a centre of linen production during the Middle Ages and is still the largest producer of linen in western Europe. The Battle of the Golden Spurs (Dutch: Guldensporenslag) took place near Kortrijk on July 11, 1302, when the local Flemish population mounted a successful uprising against the French rulers of Flanders.

The wider municipality comprises the city of Kortrijk proper and the towns of Aalbeke, Bellegem, Bissegem, Heule, Kooigem, Marke and Rollegem. On January 1st, 2004 Kortrijk had a total population of 73,984 (36,155 males and 37,829 females). The total area is 80.03 km² which gives a population density of 924.45 inhabitants per km².

The KULAK, a department of the Catholic University of Leuven is located in Kortrijk.

Famous citizens

• Stefaan De Clerck, politician and mayor of Kortrijk
• Ann De Meulemeester, fashion designer
• Guido Gezelle, poet
• Piet Goddaer, singer of Ozark Henry
• Xavier Malisse, tennis player
• Morris, creator of Lucky Luke
• Vincent Van Quickenborne, Belgian Secretary of State