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Veurne (French: Furnes, is a city and municipality in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the town of Veurne proper and the settlements of Avekapelle [nl], Booitshoeke [nl], Bulskamp [nl], De Moeren (Belgium) [nl], Eggewaartskapelle [nl], Houtem, Steenkerke (West Flanders) [nl], Vinkem [nl], Wulveringem, and Zoutenaaie [nl]. The second half of the 17th century was marked by the miseries brought to the region by Louis XIV’s wars. Vauban built heavy fortifications around the city, the outlines of which are still noticeable from the air today. Joseph II of Austria put them down and closed some of the religious institutions, putting a temporary end to the penitents’ procession, until Leopold II of Austria allowed it again in 1790. Those few cloisters that were still operating were closed at the French Revolution.
