Oudenaarde
Belgian city known for tapestry, beer, and cycling history.
Oudenaarde is a Belgian city and municipality in the Flemish province of East Flanders. From the 15th to the 18th century, but especially in the 16th century, it was known as a centre of tapestry production, and its name, meaning 'old field', lingers in the obsolete English term 'outnal' for a kind of brown linen thread.
- Country
- Belgium
- Region
- Flemish province of East Flanders
- Known for
- Tapestry production, Oud Bruin beer, Battle of Oudenaarde (1708)
- Notable landmark
- Flamboyant Gothic–style Town Hall and Belfry (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1999)
- Founded
- 11th century (economy flourished)
- Twin towns
- Coburg, Bergen op Zoom, Castel Madama, Arras, Hastings, Buzău
Lore & Background
The history of Oudenaarde begins in 974, when Emperor Otto II built a fortification at Ename. Ename grew rapidly, becoming the largest town in Lotharingia by 1005, but was destroyed in 1034 by an irregular army. In 1062, Count Baldwin V founded the Benedictine abbey of Saint Salvator, and merchants from Ename crossed the Scheldt to the newly founded Oudenaarde. The city's economy flourished in the 11th century due to the cloth and tapestry industry, and it became a staunch supporter of the counts of Flanders. Its town hall (built 1526–1537) and St-Walburga church remain notable. Charles V stayed in 1522 and fathered Margaret of Parma, later Regent of the Netherlands.
Reader's Guide
Oudenaarde's significance lies in its role as a medieval tapestry hub and its strategic position in Flemish history. The city supported the counts of Flanders against rebellions, and its town hall and belfry are UNESCO-listed. The Battle of Oudenaarde (1708) was a key event in the War of the Spanish Succession. Today, Oudenaarde is renowned for Oud Bruin beer, especially from Liefmans Brewery, and for cycling: the Tour of Flanders finishes here, and the Koppenbergcross cyclo-cross race takes place on the Koppenberg hill. The Centrum Tour of Flanders museum celebrates this heritage. The city also hosts a floral display every ten years and a beer fest in June.
Did You Know?
- Oudenaarde's name means 'old field' and gave rise to the obsolete English term 'outnal' for brown linen thread.
- The city's town hall, built 1526–1537, houses a unique collection of Oudenaarde tapestries.
- Oudenaarde is the birthplace of Margaret of Parma, daughter of Charles V and Regent of the Netherlands.
- The village of Mater in Oudenaarde has been home to Belgium's smallest craft brewery since 2008.
More in World Heritage Sites in Belgium 1-24
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