Veurne: Market Square

Between October 1914 and the start of 1915, Veurne was effectively the capital of Belgium. While the civilian government operated from the French city of Le Havre, the army, under the direct command of the king, had its headquarters in the town hall in Veurne. When the town came under fire (have a look at the photos of the market square), the decision was taken to move the HQ to Houtem - as far from the front as possible, but still on Belgian territory.

The king was regularly seen in Veurne and the town was also visited by other heads of state and important military leaders. The townspeople tired to come to terms with the pressure imposed by the need to accommodate not only troops from the Belgian Army, but also the stream of refugees pouring in from other parts of the country. Children lost their schools to the soldiers and historic buildings lost their roofs to the shelling of the guns.

The old town hall now houses an experience centre, which illustrates all the different aspects of the war in Veurne.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden