Gravenkapel 🇧🇪

Step into history when you visit the Count's Chapel, known locally in Dutch as the Gravenkapel. Located in the historic city centre of Kortrijk, Belgium, right next to the Church of Our Lady, this remarkable medieval chapel offers a fascinating glimpse into regional heritage. Construction began under Louis II, Count of Flanders, who intended the structure to serve both as a mausoleum for the Counts of Flanders and as a shrine to Saint Catherine.

Completed around 1374, the chapel is packed with artistic details that make it a compelling stop on your Belgian journey. Inside, you will discover ornate niches successively decorated with portraits depicting each count of Flanders. The first series of portraits, stretching from the legendary Liederic de Buc to the founder Louis II, is thought to have been painted by Jan van Hasselt.

Later, in 1407, Melchior Broederlam added effigies of Louis II's successors, while later portraits continuing up to Emperor Charles V were created by unknown authors. Beyond these historical paintings, be sure to admire the decorations of the niche spandrels and the striking white marble statue of Saint Catherine carved by André Beauneveu. It is an ideal, artwork-filled site to explore while taking in Kortrijk's historic core.

What to see at Gravenkapel

• White marble statue of Saint Catherine carved by André Beauneveu
• Ornate niches featuring painted portraits of each count of Flanders
• Portraits by Jan van Hasselt and 1407 effigies by Melchior Broederlam
• Decorations of the niche spandrels inside the 1374 mausoleum

Visiting tips

Plan your visit to explore the chapel alongside the adjacent Church of Our Lady in Kortrijk's historic city centre.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Gravenkapel is easy to reach on Harelbeke’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sint-Maartenskerk and Broel Towers. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Harelbeke travel guide.