The Grote Markt is the heart of Kortrijk — a wide, lively square surrounded by guild houses, the city hall, the belfry, and the flank of Sint-Maartenskerk. It has been the commercial and civic centre of the city for centuries and still functions as such, with a weekly market and terrace cafés filling the square in good weather.
The city hall on the west side of the square is worth examining for its Gothic façade, decorated with statues of the Counts of Flanders. The square comes alive during the July 11 celebrations of the Battle of the Golden Spurs. At any other time, it is a comfortable place to sit with a coffee and watch Kortrijk go about its day.