Discover 4 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Veurne (Belgium). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Kasteel Beauvoorde, Sint-Niklaaskerk, and Sint Walburgakerk. Also, be sure to include Canal de la Basse Colme in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Veurne (Vlaanderen).
Table of Contents
Kasteel Beauvoorde
Also known as: Château de Beauvoorde
Castle in Veurne, Belgium. Beauvoorde Castle is a castle in Wulveringem, which since 1977 has been part of the municipality of Veurne, West Flanders, Belgium.
The first identified owner of the castle, in 1408, was Jan de Valuwe. In 1584, during the early part of the Eighty Years' War, the castle was burned down by bandits. It was rebuilt in 1617 in the Renaissance style. At that time the castle was owned by Jacob de Bryarde, and it remained in the Bryarde family till 1828, by which time the family fortunes were in decline and the castle was falling into a state of increasing disrepair.
In 1875 a new owner, Arthur Merghelynck, undertook an extensive restoration. The interior fittings and furnishings inside it today date from Merghalynck's time. The building was expanded under plans drawn up by an architect from Veurne called Jozef Vinck. The interior was remodeled in the seventeenth-century style using a combination of recovered and replica elements. The reworking was topped off with a new garden in a Franco-English style.
Merghelynck died childless in 1905 and the castle was bequeathed to the Belgian state on condition they made it available to the (subsequently renamed) Royal Academy of Dutch language and literature (KANTL). Merghelynck's widow died in 1941 at the height of the Second World War, but after the war ended in 1945 his wishes were implemented. The castle was promoted to historic monument status in 1987. In 1998 responsibility for the castle was transferred to a regional level, coming under the remit of the Flemish Heritage foundation.
At certain times the castle can now be visited with the support of an "audio-guide". A "heritage shop" and "visitors' centre" complement the experience.[1]
Address: Wulveringemstraat 10, 8630 Veurne
Sint-Niklaaskerk
Church
Address: Appelmarkt 6, 8630 Veurne
Sint Walburgakerk
The church of Saint Walburga is a catholic religious building in Veurne, West Flanders. Third building on the same site, the current church, in Gothic style, was built several centuries ago and keeps an unfinished aspect. It is the main Catholic parish church of Veurne.
Address: Sint-Walburgastraat 13, 8630 Veurne
Canal de la Basse Colme
Canal in France. The Canal de la Basse Colme is a canal in northern France from Bergues to Hondschoote on the Belgian border. It is the eastern segment of the Canal de la Colme. In Belgium, it continues as the Canal de Bergues.
Today, this channel is downgraded.[2]