7 reasons why Roeselare is worth it
Roeselare is a very versatile regional city. On the one hand, it is a place with history, but at the same time, thanks to interesting new-build projects such as Mandelhof, it is also a city made for the future. And above all: it is a place where people like to be and like to live, and where there is always something to experience. These inspiring places may well have something to do with that…
1. KOERS
In the former fire brigade arsenal on Polenplein, the Cycling Museum opened at the end of the 1990s. A few years ago, the building underwent a thorough and much-needed renovation, and since its reopening in 2018 the Museum of Cycling has gone by the name KOERS. Besides an impressive bicycle collection, you will find an extensive documentation centre on cycling here, with many photos, newspapers, cycling and sports magazines, and of course you can also admire many cycling trophies and memorabilia, cycling clothing and posters. In short: a dream for the many cycling fans among us.
2. Cool street art
Roeselare organizes not one but two street art walks in the city centre. Do you like admiring imposing murals, or do you prefer looking for small detailed work in alleyways? Roeselare has it all. Head out on a sunny day: in Roeselare, art is there for the taking.
Tip: let yourself be guided by a guide who can give you plenty of extra information about the many artworks in the city.
3. Klein Seminarie
Opposite Mandelhof lies the Klein Seminarie, one of the oldest colleges in Flanders, where Albrecht Rodenbach and Guido Gezelle, among others, went to school. It is a place full of history, which had a major influence on the creation of the Belgian constitution and the emergence of the Christian labour movement. Besides enjoying this beautiful cultural heritage, you can also unwind wonderfully in the seminary’s magnificent gardens. Highly recommended!
4. Rodenbach Brewery
Roeselare is the city of Rodenbach. Not only of the well-known poet/writer Albrecht, whom we already mentioned above, but also of the beloved beer that has been brewed here since 1821. Although bottling now takes place elsewhere, the traditional red-brown beer is still brewed on site. In 2002, a brand-new brewhouse was built. The old one was preserved, and today you can admire it in all its historic glory. In 2001, a visitor centre opened on the protected site, where you can take part in tastings and learn about the history of the beer and the brewing family while walking among the stainless-steel brewing kettles and the authentic steam boiler. An afternoon activity hardly gets more authentic than that.
5. Instaroute #VANRSL
In 2021, the City of Roeselare, together with Unizo and local retailers, launched an original Instaroute through the shopping streets. The Instagram route is a shopping walking route of about four kilometres. Along the way, you pass 29 different photogenic installations and Instawalls to fill your feed, while at the same time discovering the many lovely shops and boutiques Roeselare has to offer. And there are quite a few of them… Trying on a new outfit at Amorie, Pastell or Just Fie? Getting interior inspiration at Vida Design or interior store D’Hondt? Or quickly picking up something nice for the children at Louis & Louise or Mini Moon? The choice is entirely yours.
6. The most delicious lunch spots
Hungry after all that Insta-shopping? Step into the pastel-coloured world of Bar Julien or pay a visit to De Overburen. Also on our list of favourites: the vegetable platters at Saladette, the tapas at Bar 18 in Bistrot Le Nord, and the aperitifs in the well-known Café Verne, where the gin selection is more extensive than Herman Brusselmans’s body of work.
7. The town hall and St Michael’s Church
One of the most beautiful buildings in Roeselare is the town hall in Louis XV style, with the Belfry tower that was added later. The tower on the Grote Markt has been classified as UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. Also definitely worth a visit: the late-Gothic St Michael’s Church, which towers above the city with its 65-metre-high tower. Your climb up the 256 steps will be rewarded with a beautiful view as far as the Kemmelberg, the Kluisberg and the IJzertoren.
Completely sold on Roeselare? Time to rest after a well-filled day in your own place in the heart of the city? Then be sure to take a look at Mandelhof’s offer.
