Veurne
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Veurne | |
|---|---|
| Region: | Flanders |
| Province: | West Flanders |
| District: | Veurne |
| Area: | 96.34 km² |
| Population: | 11,843 (2006) |
| Population density: | 123 /km² |
Veurne (French: Furnes) is a municipality in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the town of Veurne proper and the settlements of Avekapelle, Booitshoeke, Bulskamp, De Moeren, Eggewaartskapelle, Houtem, Steenkerke, Vinkem, Wulveringem, and Zoutenaaie.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Origins to the 15th century
Veurne is first recorded as the Roman place Furna. That same name is then found again in 877 as a possession of the Saint Bertin Abbey in Saint-Omer. Around 900 AD, it was noted as a fortification against the Viking raids. It soon was placed at the head of a large territory counting 42 parishes, owing allegiance to the Count of Flanders. Veurne received its city charter in the 12th century. During the following century, trade with England flourished. In 1270, however, the relations with England came to a standstill and the city’s economy went into a long decline. On August 20, 1297, the Battle of Veurne was fought in the ongoing struggle between the Flemish cities and the French king. The main city churches, Saint Walburga and Saint Nicolas, date from that period.
[edit] 15th century until the French Revolution
The 15th century saw the construction of a new city hall, which is known today as the Pavilion of the Spanish officers, from its use in the 17th century as military headquarters. Most of the other historic buildings date from the prosperous reign of Archdukes Albert and Isabella around 1600. The procession of the penitents was organized for the first time by Norbertine monks in 1637. The second half of the century was marked by the miseries brought to the region by Louis XIV’s wars. Vauban built heavy fortifications around the city, the outlines of which are still noticeable from the air today. Joseph II of Austria put them down and closed some of the religious institutions, putting a temporary end to the penitents’ procession, until Leopold II allowed it again in 1790. Those few cloisters that were still operating were closed at the French Revolution.
[edit] 19th and 20th century
From the Battle of Waterloo until World War I, Veurne could enjoy a century of quiet and prosperity. In 1830, Veurne was the first city to welcome Belgium’s new king, Leopold I, in his new country. During World War I, Veurne was located within the Yser pocket of Belgian resistance against the German troops. During the Battle of the Yser, the Veurne city hall became the headquarters for the Belgian troops under King Albert I and a military hospital was set up in the city. In 1920, French President Poincaré came to Veurne to award the city the Croix de guerre with palm.
Veurne suffered heavy damages during World War II, mainly from allied bombing but also from the strategic flooding that engulfed the whole area. Today, the city is a regional centre, which gives commercial, medical, and educational services to the surrounding communities while enjoying increasing tourist attention.
[edit] Sights
- Several Renaissance-style buildings, mostly built using the local light-coloured brick, adorn Veurne’s central market square. Among these are the city hall (Landhuis) and belfry, both of which were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in 1999.
- The nearby church of Saint Walburga is in earlier Gothic style.
- Other buildings of interest include the church of Saint Nicolas, the Spanish Pavilion, and the old meat market.
- The beautiful castle of Beauvoorde on the outskirts of town can also be visited.
[edit] Folklore
The annual Boeteprocessie (procession of the penitents) takes place every year on the last Sunday of July. This unique event includes cross-carrying, hooded penitents and other groups of participants who recreate the Passion of Jesus.
[edit] Towns
The municipality of Veurne comprises 11 "deelgemeentes". Veurne proper is the largest centre and has the largest population. The others are small rural villages: Avekapelle, Booitshoeke, Bulskamp, De Moeren, Eggewaartskapelle, Houtem, Steenkerke, Vinkem, Wulveringem and Zoutenaaie.
| # | Naam | Area km² | Population (10/04/2006) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Veurne | 22,67 | 8.489 |
| II | Booitshoeke | 3,35 | 98 |
| III | Avekapelle | 4,58 | 370 |
| IV | Zoutenaaie | 2,07 | 17 |
| V | Eggewaartskapelle | 4,90 | 180 |
| VI | Steenkerke | 11,79 | 446 |
| VII | Bulskamp | 8,03 | 692 |
| VIII | Wulveringem | 9,37 | 351 |
| IX | Vinkem | 5,27 | 362 |
| X | Houtem | 12,71 | 702 |
| XI | De Moeren | 11,58 | 124 |
- Source: official website city of Veurne
Veurne borders the following villages and municipalities:
|
[edit] Map
[edit] Veurne celebrities
- Will Tura, singer, musician, composer, and songwriter, was born in Veurne.
- Paul Delvaux, surrealist painter, lived in Veurne for more than 20 years and died there.
- Teresa of Portugal, Countess of Flanders around 1200, also died in Veurne.
[edit] Twin city
[edit] External link
- Official website (in Dutch)
 |
Municipalities in the province of West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Bruges: Beernem | Blankenberge | Bruges/Brugge | Damme | Jabbeke | Knokke-Heist | Oostkamp | Torhout | Zedelgem | Zuienkerke | ||
| Diksmuide: Diksmuide | Houthulst | Koekelare | Kortemark | Lo-Reninge | ||
| Kortrijk: Anzegem | Avelgem | Deerlijk | Harelbeke | Kortrijk/Courtrai | Kuurne | Lendelede | Menen | Spiere-Helkijn | Waregem | Wevelgem | Zwevegem | ||
| Ostend: Bredene | De Haan | Gistel | Ichtegem | Middelkerke | Oostende/Ostend | Oudenburg | ||
| Roeselare: Hooglede | Ingelmunster | Izegem | Ledegem | Lichtervelde | Moorslede | Roeselare | Staden | ||
| Tielt: Ardooie | Dentergem | Meulebeke | Oostrozebeke | Pittem | Ruiselede | Tielt | Wielsbeke | Wingene | ||
| Veurne: Alveringem | De Panne | Koksijde | Nieuwpoort | Veurne | ||
| Ypres: Heuvelland | Ieper/Ypres | Langemark-Poelkapelle | Mesen | Poperinge | Vleteren | Wervik | Zonnebeke | ||
