Torhout City Map Poster

About Torhout

The city is located on the banks of the river Yser, about 30 km southwest of Kortrijk and 25 km north-west of Ostend. Torhout is known for its castle, dating from 12th century. It was built by Philip I, count of Flanders. The town's belfry (built in 1528) has been designated a protected monument since 1921 Torhout: History The first mention dates from 1044 when it was called Turuhatum but probably existed already during Roman times as an important trading settlement near to Bruges (Brugge). In 1085 Godfrey III gave it as a present to his daughter Adeliza and her husband Robert II who started the construction works at Castle Hill which were finished under their son Baldwin V in 1130/1131; they also founded St Peter's Abbey there around this time.