Briek Schotte monument

The agricultural and tranquil village of KANEGEM is mainly known for its reputation due to its floral splendor. Every year, ten thousand rose bushes in 75 varieties bloom, and just as many geraniums adorn the house facades. Four unique flower varieties have been created: the Rose 'Kanegem' (1982), the salmon-colored dahlia 'Kanegem Star' (1990), the 'Pink' (1998), and the Fuchsia Caninga (1999). Kanegem has a few historical farms, including 'Groot Goet ten Broucken' and 'Den Ouden Wal', one of the most beautifully flowered farms in Belgium, now complemented by a greenhouse business for the cultivation and sale of flowers. The village is also known for its two famous residents of Kanegem: Cardinal Godfried Danneels (plaque on birth house, Dorp no. 199), who was born here in 1933, and two-time world cycling champion Briek Schotte. The 'Flandrien' symbol was immortalized in his likeness by Jef Claerhout and adorns the village square, which was renovated in 1997.

Dirk Acx