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OstendIn the past, it belonged to the largest Belgian ports and was the main haven for ferries to Dover and Folkestone.
It is characterized by an unusual development for the seaside landscape, which are residential blocks and single family housing estates, in front of which stretch out wide white beaches. Some people are offended by this otherness, other are delighted with it. Ostend is also the main node of the regional public transport network, which includes fast, comfortable and frequently running trams, driving along the beaches to Knokke-Heist in the east and De Panne in the west. |
The Ostend's glory years began in the 1834 year, when the first Belgian king, Leopold I, chose her for his summer residence. Modernization of the city started and it was connected by a railway line with Brussels. Thanks to the royal acceptance, the city became more and more popular, which resulted in the construction of numerous resorts. Numerous aristocrats from Europe have been attracted here, which has made Ostend one of the most popular and cosmopolitan bathing areas in Europe.
Today, little has remained of the former Ostend. Today's city center stretches next to the train station. One of the first eye-catching monuments is the church of St. Peter and Paul (St. Petrus en Pauluskerk). This beautiful, neo-gothic church seems to be a very old monument, but in fact it was completed in 1907 year. The chapel behind the main altar hides the mausoleum of Luisa Maria, the first queen of Belgium who died in Ostend. Massive tower of the church of St. Peter, located behind the temple, better known as Peperbusse, with a sheltered canopy chapel of the Crucifixion, built in 1478 year. It is the only remnant of the original church that burned down in the 19th century.
Today, little has remained of the former Ostend. Today's city center stretches next to the train station. One of the first eye-catching monuments is the church of St. Peter and Paul (St. Petrus en Pauluskerk). This beautiful, neo-gothic church seems to be a very old monument, but in fact it was completed in 1907 year. The chapel behind the main altar hides the mausoleum of Luisa Maria, the first queen of Belgium who died in Ostend. Massive tower of the church of St. Peter, located behind the temple, better known as Peperbusse, with a sheltered canopy chapel of the Crucifixion, built in 1478 year. It is the only remnant of the original church that burned down in the 19th century.
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Church of St. Peter and Paul (sint Petrus en Pauluskerk) |
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The cornerstone for the construction of this magnificent neo-gothic church was laid in 1901 by King Leopold II. The end of construction took place in 1907. During both wars, the church was damaged. The main portal of the temple is equipped with a magnificent rose window, flanked by blind arches.
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Inside the church is a beautiful painting of the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus. All original stained glass windows were destroyed during both wars. Contemporary stained glass windows were created by Michael Martens (1921-2006). They depict Belgian kings and Saints Peter and Paul. Behind the presbytery of the church is the chapel of Queen Luisa Maria (1812-1850). She rests in a marble tomb.
Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
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Church of St. Peter
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Chapel of the Crucifixion
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Lonely tower standing behind the church of Sts. Peter and Paul, commonly called Peperbusse, is the only remnant of the church of St. Peter, who was burned at 1896 year. Construction of this single-nave church started in 1438 year. He was twice destroyed, first by the British fleet during the siege of Ostend (1601-1604), then 1706, during the shelling in the ongoing War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713).
The 1675 years built shoulder part of the church. Octagonal superstructure of the tower, constructed on the basis of a massive square was founded in 1729. In the 1764-1766 on the north wall of the tower, the chapel was built.
That the tower still stands, even though the church was burnt, is due to famous artists such as Fernand Khnopff and Emilie Verhaeren. They prevented in the 1910, the demolition of one of the few witnesses to the history of the city, which still remembers the time before the siege of Ostend. The 1925 year, on the south side of the tower, added the Baroque portal. 5 November 1946 tower Peperbusse was declared a protected monument.
The 1675 years built shoulder part of the church. Octagonal superstructure of the tower, constructed on the basis of a massive square was founded in 1729. In the 1764-1766 on the north wall of the tower, the chapel was built.
That the tower still stands, even though the church was burnt, is due to famous artists such as Fernand Khnopff and Emilie Verhaeren. They prevented in the 1910, the demolition of one of the few witnesses to the history of the city, which still remembers the time before the siege of Ostend. The 1925 year, on the south side of the tower, added the Baroque portal. 5 November 1946 tower Peperbusse was declared a protected monument.
Peperbusse
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Peperbusse
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War memorial
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The of statue of the king
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Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
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Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
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Mockup of the church
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Near the church of Sts. Peter and Paul, at the entrance to the port, there is Mercator moored. In 1932-1960, this three-masted sailing ship served soldiers of the Belgian merchant fleet. It houses a maritime museum. Mercator sometimes leaves the port to participate in sailing shows.
Mercator
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Amandine
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Casino Kursaal
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In front of the interesting station building, it is moored to the marina, retired, a fishing boat Amandine. The interior of this old, seagoing fishing boat has been transformed into an interactive museum.
The next characteristic place is the casino building Kursaal, built in 1953 year. It was erected on the site of a similar building from 1852 a year. Most classical music concerts take place here, and one of the rooms for gambling was decorated with paintings by Paul Delvaux. On both sides of the casino is the main attraction of the city, a strip of sandy beach, stretching east to the port and west to De Panne. While walking in the distance, you can see huge ships passing by. It is also worth going to the pier, but you have to remember to put on something warmer.
The next characteristic place is the casino building Kursaal, built in 1953 year. It was erected on the site of a similar building from 1852 a year. Most classical music concerts take place here, and one of the rooms for gambling was decorated with paintings by Paul Delvaux. On both sides of the casino is the main attraction of the city, a strip of sandy beach, stretching east to the port and west to De Panne. While walking in the distance, you can see huge ships passing by. It is also worth going to the pier, but you have to remember to put on something warmer.
Promenada
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Beach
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Buildings in Ostend
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A summer sand sculptures festival takes place in Ostend. In the year 2019 the main title of exhibition were dreams. Forty sculptors from around the world have created few dozens of magnificent sculptures, using sand brought on 240 trucks. The sculptures were from 2 to 6 meters high. In 2017 year, Disneyland from Paris celebrated its 25th anniversary, so the theme was Disney characters.
Seaside Ostend - more than just sand.
Tourists interested not only in the beach will probably want to visit museums. Ostend has several to offer. The most important are: the Raversyde Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of James Ensor. Fort Napoleon, located among the wild dunes, can also be an interesting place.
Raversyde
This is a wonderful museum, one of the main attractions on the Belgian coast. An extraordinary witness to the history of World War I and II. This place is one of the best preserved parts Atlantic Wall. In the open space there are over 60 bunkers, observation and artillery stands connected by two kilometers of open or underground corridors. This fortification line was built by the Germans during World War II and ran from the Franco-Spanish border to Norway. The Raversyde Museum has the only German coastal battery from World War I, the Aachen battery. It consisted of cannons, observation bunkers and living quarters for soldiers. The Germans built fortifications along the Belgian coast to protect the ports of Zeebruge and Ostend (operating bases of German submarines). During a few hours of visiting the museum, we can admire not only wonderfully restored military exhibits, but also beautiful views of the beaches of Ostend.
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Address:
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Duinenstraat 147
8400 Ostend |
16 march-11 december
daily: 10.30-18.00 |
Adults: 8 Euro
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Museum of Fine Arts is located in the building of the old Main Post Office, in the city center. It organizes mainly numerous temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition presents works by artists from Ostend, of course James Ensor, and also Leon Spilliaert, who was fascinated by the maritime landscape.
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Address:
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Romestraat 11, 8400 oostende
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tuesday-sunday: 10.00-18.00
monday closed |
Adults: 9 Euro
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The Ensor House Museum - the museum was placed in the house where the artist lived in 1917-1949. The museum does not have original works by the artist. Instead, he takes visitors to the artistic Ostend from the beginning of the 20th century. In the original house in which he lived, and which he inherited from his aunt, we will see original furniture, full-sized reproductions of his paintings and documents belonging to him.
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Address:
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Vlaanderenstraat 24, 8400 oostende
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monday-sunday
10.00- 12.00 and 14.00 -17.00 |
Adults: 2 Euro
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Fort Napoleon probably people who are not only interested in sunbathing will be interested. It is located 500 meters from the Duin en Zee stop, where the coastal Kust tram stops, almost in the middle of wild sand dunes. It is Europe's only intact Napoleon stronghold. The Emperor built it in 1811 a year to defend against possible attack from England. During both wars, the fort was the target of German artillery attacks. Today, there is a museum and restaurant here.
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Address:
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Vuurtorenweg w / n, Oostende 8400
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monday-sunday
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Adults: 8 Euro
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