Sights
List of services
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The Beer CastleList item 1THE BEER CASTLE, A UNIQUE TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN EUROPE'S MODERN BREWERY FOR PEOPLE WITH TASTE With 'Het Bierkasteel' we write history at the Vanhonsebrouck brewery. 'Het Bierkasteel' is the name of our new and impressive brewery complex in Izegem. This is in itself unique, because in the last hundred years no new brewery of this size has been built in our country, from scratch and on a new site. 'Het Bierkasteel' is a multifunctional event, relaxation and experience room where you can taste literally and figuratively (about 30 beers) of the brewer's craft, topped with a high-tech sauce. Enjoying, tasting, partying, discovering, meeting ... all this will get a new dimension that you thought was impossible. In addition to the brewery itself, 'Het Bierkasteel' is based on 5 pillars: • A hip brasserie (restaurant) where you can taste our beers and enjoy a delicious meal • A unique beer boutique with our specialty beers, beer pralines, the best beer gadgets and gift baskets • An attractive beer bar event location for all your parties in private or business atmosphere • An educational visitor center with 3 daily tours where you can learn everything about the brewing trade • Michelle's Pub is an authentic brown pub where you can enjoy our beers and tasty food 'Het Bierkasteel' is open both for groups, companies and associations as well as for the individual bon vivant or the family looking for a day trip with added value. 'Het Bierkasteel' is easily accessible and has a parking space for 250 cars.
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Eperon d'orList item 2In 1930, the Vandommele brothers had this special Art Deco building erected for their shoe factory Eperon d'Or. Since 2017, the completely renovated building has been home to the city's brand-new shoe and brush museum. One man, Edward Dierick, plays a major role in the development of the Izegem shoe industry. In 1830 he obtained a patent for a waterproof shoe, and moreover he was such a refined craftsman that he soon became the supplier of the beau. Emiel Vandommele, a student of Dierick, founded his own company in 1863 and decided to focus on the production of luxury shoes. In 1909, the Vandommele company moved to this location, and around 1930 the art deco factory was built. The shoes are still largely made by hand: expensive, exclusive craftsmanship that is also highly sought after internationally. Eperon d'Or is a supplier of the Belgian and Luxembourg courts, as you can see from the shields on the facade frieze. The factory closes in 1967: it cannot compete with Italian shoemakers, which pay very low wages. The building was recognized as a monument in 1999. Since 2017 the brush and footwear museum has been housed there. You learn about the history of the two industries in an original and fascinating way. Certainly not to be missed: the evolution of shoe fashion since the beginning of the 19th century, sketched on the basis of original Izegem shoes, with the luxury ladies' shoes from the top period 1920-1930 as the highlights. The visitor center on the upper floor offers tourist information about the entire Leie region.
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Brush MuseumNever just say 'brush' to a brush. Because there are more types of brushes than you can imagine. Rich families used to show off luxurious hat, mustaches and piano brushes. Chinese calligraphy art is based entirely on brushes. And what would Harry Potter be without his loyal Nimbus magic broom? During a visit to the brush department of Eperon d'Or it all becomes crystal clear. The stately brush barons guide you through the history of Izegem and the global brush industry. You learn about growth and prosperity, about craftsmanship and about the evolutions in later years. You are guaranteed to fall from one surprise to the other. In the factory you are then introduced to the technical side of the whole thing. A series of still working machines offers an overview of the technical evolution from the end of the 19th century to the year 1970. In the meantime you can also feel, smell and look very closely at raw materials and materials.
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Steam & powerDid you know that the largest preserved steam engine in the country is in Izegem? It is like this. At the end of the 19th century, the city authorities had their own power station built to provide Izegem with electricity. That was a daring project. So daring, in fact, that the then Prince Albert came to personally inaugurate the power station in 1901. But even after that, Izegem's engineers did not sit still. The installation was steadily expanded and in 1936 a new steam engine was added. A colossus of 110 tons. And you can still admire it today. The machine must of course no longer supply electricity. But it can still run and in that way it offers a unique insight into the world of steam and electricity. The steam engine is maintained by a dedicated group of 'Steam Friends' and you can only visit them by appointment. The Steam and Power Museum is 200 meters from the Eperon d'Or site.
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Carpenter's MuseumIn the Joinery Museum you can view a wealth of unique tools, machines and unique wooden creations. The collection goes back to the 17th century and is housed in a restored building from 1903. Owner Pierre Vangroenweghe, himself a former carpenter, is an enthusiastic storyteller. The museum can only be visited by appointment
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Blauwhuis CastleList item 3The Blauwhuis castle is certainly the most impressive building in the entire city. The castle, together with the 11.2 hectare park, is classified as a city view. Since 1 April 2017, the City of Izegem, in collaboration with the owner "vzw Gillès de Pélichy", has opened this beautiful green domain to the public.
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Castles Wallemote and WolvenhofList item 4The castle builders of Wallemote-Wolvenhof were two brothers from a prosperous family of large Izegem landowners. Their great-grandfather, Jozeph Vanden Bogaerde, was appointed mayor of Izegem on Belgian independence in 1830 and remained so until his death in 1832. His grandson Valére Vanden Bogaerde was elected as seventh mayor of Izegem in 1900 and remained until his sudden death 1904. The Burgemeester Vanden Bogaerdelaan in the center of Izegem bears his name. Valére initiated the construction of both castles, but it was his two eldest sons, Emile and Gaspard, who carried out the plans.
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Passchendaele museum 'Passchendaele' is not only an episode from the history of the First World War, it has also become a household word, an international symbol of violence in its most horrible form. In 1917, more than 400,000 soldiers were taken out of battle here in a hundred days for a gain in terrain of just a few kilometers. Ninety years after the start of the Great War, the municipality of Zonnebeke opened an entirely new museum in the castle domain with Anzac-day 2004. In 2013 there was a substantial expansion including a trench structure in the museum garden and a brand new underground hall. The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 is the successor of the Regional Museum and opts for a classical historical-educational presentation. The visitor goes through the five strokes at Ypres on the basis of impressive photographic material, a carefully selected collection of historical objects and various lifelike dioramas. Walking in a German trench or descending into a unique 6 m deep British dugout with communication and first aid station, headquarters and sleeping places, it is only possible in the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917. The ideal base for visiting the region, an absolute must for tourists and specialist.
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Ypres Ypres has a lot to offer! The charm of the medieval past and the many memories of the turbulent past make a trip to Ypres unforgettable today. Be inspired by our website or by taking a look at our brochure. The numerous hospitable guest addresses, cozy cafés, tasty restaurants, beautiful shops, fascinating museums and other attractions invite you. We would like to welcome you every day in the visitor center for Ypres and the Westhoek in the Cloth Hall to give your visit a good start. You will find an attractive regional exhibition, an extensive shop and a spacious museum café.
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WO1 and WO2Izegem is the perfect base to visit various monuments of the world wars. You will find numerous cemeteries, trenches and other sights within a 15-minute drive. For more info you can always contact the hotel staff.
