Discover Pittem

Pittem can be explored through a variety of themes: the Verbiest Experience Center focuses on the life of Ferdinand Verbiest and his journey to China. Churches, chapels and a historic mill tell other stories from the town’s past. Walking and cycling routes vary in length and format, so you can shape your stay around culture, exercise or a mix of both.

Ferdinand Verbiest and local history

At the Verbiest Experience Center, visitors can learn more about the life of Ferdinand Verbiest and his journey to China. Self-guided visits are free; guided visits are available by reservation. In Pittem’s market square, at the foot of the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, a bronze statue depicts Verbiest as a Chinese mandarin. The church’s octagonal Romanesque tower has been a protected monument since 1937.

Pittem’s ErfgoedApp also offers points of interest for history enthusiasts: it contains four historical map layers. The Ferraris map from 1771–1778 is the oldest; it is joined by the Atlas of the Buurtwegen from 1841, the Vandermaelen map from 1846–1854 and the Popp Atlas from 1842–1879. Together, they provide a selection of historical maps from different periods.

Chapels, a mill and architectural history

The Godelieve chapels around the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk bear witness to a tradition of devotion that began in 1676; they were restored in 1978 and 2014. The Ommegang Heilige Godelieve was established around the church in 1913 and restored in 1978. It comprises seven numbered rubble-stone chapels, spaced at regular intervals along the south, east and north sides of the church.

The Plaatsmolen, also known as Molen Goethals, is a brick tower mill with a gallery. It was built in 1909 on the site of an older mill complex dating from the 14th century. In Egem, which is part of Pittem, stands the neo-Gothic Sint-Germanuskerk. It was designed by provincial architect Pierre Nicolas Croquison and built between 1866 and 1873.

Walks with different points of interest

Pittem’s ErfgoedApp offers the “Astronoom van de keizer” walk and a junior version for children up to the age of twelve. Both pass notable buildings and monuments in the center of Pittem. Another historical walk is “Buitengewoon Pittem anno 1900”: this 2.5-kilometer route explores Pittem’s history at the beginning of the 20th century.

For longer walks, you can compare the distances and themes. “Een wandeling met Pit” is 7.8 kilometers long and follows paths in Pittem and Pittem Berg, passing four local farms and their respective specialties. The Berghoekpad is about nine kilometers long; its hilly route follows picturesque country roads and passes viewpoints. The options therefore differ not only in distance, but also in whether they focus on history, scenery or agriculture.

Cycling routes and guided tours

The 44-kilometer Verbiestroute starts in Pittem’s market square and is fully signposted. The 52.4-kilometer Wastinefietsroute can also be started there. For mountain biking, there is the 42.1-kilometer Pallieterroute, with red, blue and black technical loops.

The 25-kilometer guided tour “Fietsen door eeuwen landbouw en landschap” offers a different kind of cycling through Pittem and Egem. On “Geert gidst langs Korte Keten”, the guided bike tour visits around five farms and food businesses in and around Pittem Berg. Local products are introduced, and small tastings are offered. The different distances and formats make it easier to choose between self-guided routes, a mountain-bike trail and a guided excursion for your stay.

A summer tradition

Zotte Maandag is an annual summer carnival tradition in Pittem and the highlight of the two-week Godelievekermis. During the parade, associations from Pittem and Egem and street committees traditionally pay tribute to the dean of the Sint-Elooisgilde. When choosing a holiday rental in Pittem based on your plans, you can weigh up culture, walks, bike rides and this festive tradition as different focuses for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hooglede, Blankenberge, Bredene, Harelbeke, De Panne, Ingelmunster, Heuvelland, Middelkerke.

For the regional travel overview: West Flanders.