Pittem celebrates 400 years of Ferdinand Verbiest with walks, cycle routes and a renewed visitor centre

After his studies at the University of Leuven, among others, Ferdinand Verbiest went to China where he was at the basis of the development of the Old Observatory in Peking, which still exists. He was partly responsible for the change of the Chinese calendar, based on his astronomical observations.

In addition to being an astronomer, Verbiest was also a missionary, inventor, diplomat and engineer. He belonged to the most intimate circle of the then Emperor of China. Verbiest died in China after a fall from his horse. On his death, the emperor paid for a state funeral and a state funeral.

Ferdinand Verbiest Center

In 2010, Pittem opened the Visitor Center Ferdinand Verbiest. You can get acquainted with the life and numerous achievements of Verbiest.

With money from Tourism Flanders, the center was given a thorough makeover this year and was renamed the Ferdinand Verbiest Experience Center. “Thanks to a new ‘look and feel’, with a new animation about Ferdinand Verbiest, a contemporary reception area and a polyvalent section, the center has an interactive experience”, explains Heidi Lievrouw, alderman for Culture.

Walks and cycling routes

During a 2.5 kilometer trail the weekend of 9 and 10 September will focus on Verbiest. The two local theater companies, Loridans Kring and Theater Binnenstebuiten bring him back to life in six scenes.

You can also still take the 44-kilometre cycle route, along Pittem, Meulebeke, Ardooie, Wingene and Tielt. It has now been taken care of after thirteen years. The bicycle brochure has a contemporary look and draws attention to a number of new stops and places of interest. As a walker you can take the heritage walk, past historic buildings and places. There is a quest for children.

Trade mission

Ferdinand Verbiest is not only commemorated in West Flanders. Also in China they do not let the birthday on October 9 go unnoticed. For example, the Province of West Flanders is organizing a mission to China.

In China, the Pittem native is known – under the name Nán Huáirén – for his contribution to Chinese sciences. On October 20, they will hold a memorial moment in the Old Observatory in the capital Beijing. There are still instruments built by Verbiest, such as a sextant and a thermometer.