Sightseeing

 Until 1704 the city’s old market halls and belfry, the plan of which is drawn out in the cobblestones of the parking area, were situated in the centre of the Market Square. To the east you’ll find the gothic, 16th century stepped gable of the convent of the Grey Franciscan Sisters; to the south the City Hall in Louis XV style and the new wing (1925), inspired on the city’s Medieval market halls with belfry. Over the stepped gables of the commer cial premises to the West side the sturdy Saint Michael’s tower stands guard, chiming its carillon tones over the busy city centre every 15 minutes.

The ‘Old City Hall’ in Louis XV style is a splendid example of 18th century architecture and more than worth a visit. It was built in 1769-1771. High up the gable’s fronton shines the coat of arms of Charles Theodor (1721-1799), duke of Neuburg, elector of Bavaria and Lord of Wijnendaele Estate and the city of Roeselare. Downstairs in the ‘Aldermen’s Hall’ you will see the portrait gallery with paintings of the mayors of Roeselare from 1830 till the present day. On the first floor you’ll find the councillors’ chamber as well as the conference room. The former has been renovated and redecorated in Louis XV style.

There you’ll be able to admire painted portraits of famous historic figures related to Roeselare. In the hall there are a few statues and a lot of paintings by local artists, next to the ingenious restored 17th century tapestry ‘King Solomon’s wise judgement’.

The wall of the conference room has been painted with a reconstruction of a 17th century map of the city. An other one shows a historic scene, picturing the opening of the annual fair in 1552.

The museum is housed in the former fire station with its typical Flemish-style facade (1903). The museum offers an overview of the bicycle from its early beginnings to the present day, pays attention to the matching accessories and sheds light on professional bicycles, children’s bikes and racing bikes.

More information you can find here.

In 1634 the Austin Friars from Ghent settled down at Roeselare, where they built a chapel, a monastery and a school. Between 1725 and 1735 the Baroque Augustinian Church was built at Zuidstraat. The façade’s fronton surmounts the coat of arms of Johann-Wilhelm (1658-1716), Duke of Neuburg and Lord of Roeselare and the statue of ‘Our Lady of Consolation’ by Karel Dupont.
Ever since the Napoleontic times the episcopal Minor Seminary has been housed there. It became renowned in the 19th century thanks to three West Flemish leaders of the Flemish Movement: Guido Gezelle (in the lane you’ll see a bust by Jules Lagae), Hugo Verriest and Albrecht Rodenbach. It was here that in 1876 ‘De Groote Storinghe’ (= The Big Uproar) took place, a students’ revolution, which brought about the ‘Blauwvoeterie’ movement all over Flanders (‘De Blauwvoet’ memorial (1980) can be seen at the ‘historic’ playground).

 The oldest traces date back to the Middle Ages; up to 1872 this remained the only parish church in Roeselare. In 1488 a fire in the city badly destroyed the church. By order of Philip of Kleef (1456-1529), Lord of Roeselare, the church was rebuilt between 1497 and 1504 in late Gothic style. The monumental tower dates from 1504 and was originally a steeple. In January 1735 the spire was blown down and was replaced by a bell-shaped roof.
Inside the church you will find some interesting works of art; the Baroque pulpit (17th century) depicts the scriptural story of the vineyard of Nabot. There are some remarkable woodcarvings and sculptures, among others paintings of Jacob van Oost, Jan Janssens, Otto Venius, the Van Dijck school, Bernard Mioen, Désiré Mergaert and Ferdinand Callebert. The church has one of the biggest organs in West Flanders and in the tower hangs the city’s carillon with 49 bells.

 The oldest traces date back to the Middle Ages; up to 1872 this remained the only parish church in Roeselare. In 1488 a fire in the city badly destroyed the church. By order of Philip of Kleef (1456-1529), Lord of Roeselare, the church was rebuilt between 1497 and 1504 in late Gothic style. The monumental tower dates from 1504 and was originally a steeple. In January 1735 the spire was blown down and was replaced by a bell-shaped roof.
Inside the church you will find some interesting works of art; the Baroque pulpit (17th century) depicts the scriptural story of the vineyard of Nabot. There are some remarkable woodcarvings and sculptures, among others paintings of Jacob van Oost, Jan Janssens, Otto Venius, the Van Dijck school, Bernard Mioen, Désiré Mergaert and Ferdinand Callebert. The church has one of the biggest organs in West Flanders and in the tower hangs the city’s carillon with 49 bells.

It will strike you with its remarkable lanes and the rare trees that were planted there.
You’ll also find the memorial ‘for all Roeselare soldiers killed in action’ (Karel Dupont) from ‘the grateful city of Roeselare to its liberators, October 1918’ (152nd French Infantry Regiment) as well as the sepulchre of the Deported and Work Refusers.
There graves of French soldiers (1914-1918), of the British killed in action (1914-1918 and 1940-1945) and of anyone from Roeselare killed in the war, both soldiers and civilians.
Apart from that, one can take a rest near the mausoleums of Albrecht Rodenbach (1888, by Jules Lagae), Roger Fieuw, literary man (1960), Karel Dubois, founder of the Catholic Action (1956), Willem Denys, creator of ‘Peegie’ (1983) and the Campo Sancto for the Great Names from Roeselare: Joseph Algar, Delafortrie Fransiscus, Johan Destoop-Hobsen, Henri Heldenbergh, Rodenbach-Delahouttre and his son Albrecht, Alexander Rodenbach and Oscar Rodenbach-Rodenbach.

The visitor's centre is a combination of industrial archeology and contemporary design. In the interactive museum you will discover that the Rodenbach family was just as special as its beer. You will also see a classed malt kiln and a cathedral of  "Rodenbachfoeders" (oak vats in which the beer matures). Every visit is concluded with a tasting of Rodenbach beers.

More information: www.palmbreweries.com