Cycling enthusiasts gather here. This is Wevelgem. We stand at the finish line of the famous Ghent-Wevelgem cycling race. This Belgian municipality in West Flanders hosts the race annually. It’s a thrilling spectacle. The best cyclists in the world compete. They race across the beautiful Flemish countryside. The race ends right here in Wevelgem.
Wevelgem isn’t just about cycling. It’s a town with a rich history. Did you know that Wevelgem is actually made up of three sections? Wevelgem Moorsele and Gullegem. These were once separate municipalities. They merged into one in 1977. The A17 and A19 highways now separate these sections. They almost exactly follow the old municipal borders.
Wevelgem’s coat of arms shows a golden mountain. This is a symbol of the Guldenberg Abbey. The abbey owned the village from 1754 until the late 18th century. The abbey’s golden mountain appears on village seals. These date from 1772 to 1779. The coat of arms was officially granted in 1911. It was later corrected in 1981.
Another interesting fact about Wevelgem is its connection to World War I. The Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport was built by the Germans in 1916. Near the border with Menen you find a large German military cemetery. It’s the largest German cemetery in Belgium. Almost 48000 soldiers are buried there. They died in World War I.
In Wevelgem you can also visit the Guldenberg Abbey. Another site of interest is the town hall. It was once a castle. Wevelgem’s history is interwoven with Flemish culture. The town retains elements of its past. It’s a blend of history and modern life.
The population of Wevelgem is around 31000 people. The annual Gent-Wevelgem cycling race brings many visitors to the town. It’s a place rich in history. It’s a place for exciting sporting events. Wevelgem blends the past and the present. It’s a fascinating place to explore.