Geluwe, Menen and Dadizele

This varied tour takes you through a hilly landscape with lots of agriculture. The region is known as the tobacco region. Along the way you will visit places such as Geluwe, Menen, Dadizele and Kruiseke. This area was marked by heavy war actions on the front lines in the First World War and is therefore dotted with memorials, war monuments and cemeteries. The tour starts in Geluwe. Menen was famous for its beer in the 16th century. At that time, the city had 104 master brewers. In 1548, a large part of the city was destroyed by fire. As a border city, Menen was fortified early on. The first ramparts date from 1578. The city has been besieged no fewer than 22 times in its history. Of the fortifications with eleven bastions and four city gates, part of the city wall and casemates can still be seen. You can also admire the classicist town hall from 1782, with its 33-metre-high belfry with 49 bells. It is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Menen you will also find a German military cemetery with more than 40,000 fallen soldiers from WWI. Dadizele is an important place of pilgrimage. The Basilica of Our Lady of Dadizele dates from the late 19th century. In Dadizele you will find a large British military cemetery with fallen soldiers from the First World War.