The Grote Markt in Kortrijk in 1940 and today, with the steeple of St. Martin’s Church in the center. The white building to the left of it is the so-called "Huis Patria" (formerly known as "Roeland"), a former city palace that has served various purposes over the years (headquarters of a Catholic association in 1940; today a showroom and apartments). The square was created in 1899 following the demolition of the old cloth hall. Allied air raids in 1944 destroyed some of the facades and buildings surrounding the square; however, St. Martin’s Church and the belfry (not visible in the photo) survived largely unscathed. Today, the Grote Markt is largely car-free.
The Grote Markt in Kortrijk in 1940 and today, with the steeple of St. Martin’s Church in the center. The white building to the left of it is the so-called "Huis Patria" (formerly known as "Roeland"), a former city palace that has served various purposes over the years (headquarters of a Catholic association in 1940; today a showroom and apartments).
The square was created in 1899 following the demolition of the old cloth hall. Allied air raids in 1944 destroyed some of the facades and buildings surrounding the square; however, St. Martin’s Church and the belfry (not visible in the photo) survived largely unscathed. Today, the Grote Markt is largely car-free.