The best city hikes and walks in Grandvalbos En Kooigembos

"Transforming waste into works of art" was the challenge for which the municipality of Zwevegem launched a competition in 2019. Vincent van Asten, then barely 17 years old, won with this cross made of discarded bicycles. Its location on the side of the heavily used Guldensporenpad (Golden Spurs Trail) evokes associations with the field and wayside crosses you find here and there along Flemish hiking trails.

What is now the bar and café "El Dorado" was once the freight station of Zwevegem. The "Guldensporenpad" walking and cycling path, along which it is located, runs along the route of former railway line number 83, Kortrijk-Avelgem-Ronse. That line was closed in 1960.

An old telephone booth against the side wall of the St. Amandus Church has been transformed into a book exchange; an initiative of the Zwevegem library.

At the St. Amandus Church in Zwevegem, you'll find two war memorials side by side: a column topped with a bust of a soldier honors the local victims of both world wars; a memorial stone in the church wall pays tribute to eleven British soldiers who died here in the Second World War.

The St. Amandus Church in Zwevegem was built in 1937 based on a design by the Dutch architect Alphons Boosten, who was inspired by Gothic architecture. The current church had several predecessors: A Romanesque church had existed in Zwevegem since the 12th century. This church had three naves and a straight, closed choir. The foundation of the tower remains of this church. In the 16th century, the church, with the exception of the tower, was replaced by a Gothic hall church. In the 18th century, Zwevegem experienced increased building activity. In 1776, the church was extended by three bays. The old east choir was also replaced by a west choir. In 1875, the church was enlarged again with the construction of a new sacristy and the extension of the southeast side of the church. In 1937, the church, again with the exception of the tower, was replaced by the current church. Be sure to take a look inside. The round stained-glass windows by Jan Huet are particularly worth a visit. Source: Wikipedia

This field cross can be found on the corner of the Guldensporenpad (the cycling and walking path on the former Kortrijk-Avelgem-Oudenaarde railway line), and "De Pluim", the industrial zone of Zwevegem.

Besides a wide selection of farm ice cream in various flavors, you can also get bread, pancakes, and vegetables from vending machines, but I suspect I'm not the only hiker who only sees the ice cream as a 'highlight' ;-)

According to tradition, the Romanesque church of Dottignies was built in the 12th century by the monks of the Augustinian Abbey of Cysoing, founded around 850 by Saint Everard. Nothing contradicts this. The masonry of the tower, the only remaining part, is indeed in the style of that period. The profile and construction technique of the spire's framework suggest it dates no earlier than the second half of the 18th century. On September 3, 1786, two new bells were consecrated. Around 1811, the church was described as dilapidated and too small for the population it served. In 1839, a heated debate arose. The local authorities strongly demanded the demolition of the old tower, while the Permanent Deputation did everything in its power to preserve it. The debate ended with the province and the Ministry of Justice refusing subsidies. Thanks to this last resort, the old tower escaped demolition. In 1841, the Ghent architect Roelandt reconciled the opposing views with a study that respected the bell tower but reversed the church's orientation. His project was awarded 50,000 francs. Source: www.stleger.info Much has changed since 1925. The old bell tower served as a fire station for a few years before finally being renovated and converted into a venue for local festivities.