Watervliet | |
---|---|
Village | |
![]() The Our Lady-Church in Watervliet, built in the 16th century, is called the 'Cathedral of the North' | |
Coordinates: 51°16′31″N 3°37′32″E / 51.27515°N 3.62543°E | |
Country | ![]() |
Region | Flemish Region |
Province | East Flanders |
Municipality | Sint-Laureins |
Area | |
• Total | 21.09 km2 (8.14 sq mi) |
Population (2021)
[1] | |
• Total | 1,703 |
• Density | 81/km2 (210/sq mi) |
Time zone | CET |
Watervliet is a village in the Belgian province of East Flanders and suburb of the town of Sint-Laureins. Watervliet is part of the Meetjesland, [2] and is adjacent to the Dutch border. It was a separate municipality until 1977. [3]
Watervliet started as a medieval village. In 1377, the village was lost in a flood. Around 1500, Hieronymus Lauweryn van Watervliet commissioned the poldering of the land, and rebuilt the village. [4] Even though Lauweryn was of common origins, he was awarded lordship of Watervliet by Philip the Handsome in 1507. [5] [6]
In 1501, the Our Lady-Church was built, and was consecrated in 1503. [7] Watervliet was planned to become a major harbour, hence the large size of the church. The church is commonly referred to as the "Cathedral of the North". [8] In 1977, the municipality merged into Sint-Laureins. [3]
Includes the hamlet of Linde
Watervliet | |
---|---|
Village | |
![]() The Our Lady-Church in Watervliet, built in the 16th century, is called the 'Cathedral of the North' | |
Coordinates: 51°16′31″N 3°37′32″E / 51.27515°N 3.62543°E | |
Country | ![]() |
Region | Flemish Region |
Province | East Flanders |
Municipality | Sint-Laureins |
Area | |
• Total | 21.09 km2 (8.14 sq mi) |
Population (2021)
[1] | |
• Total | 1,703 |
• Density | 81/km2 (210/sq mi) |
Time zone | CET |
Watervliet is a village in the Belgian province of East Flanders and suburb of the town of Sint-Laureins. Watervliet is part of the Meetjesland, [2] and is adjacent to the Dutch border. It was a separate municipality until 1977. [3]
Watervliet started as a medieval village. In 1377, the village was lost in a flood. Around 1500, Hieronymus Lauweryn van Watervliet commissioned the poldering of the land, and rebuilt the village. [4] Even though Lauweryn was of common origins, he was awarded lordship of Watervliet by Philip the Handsome in 1507. [5] [6]
In 1501, the Our Lady-Church was built, and was consecrated in 1503. [7] Watervliet was planned to become a major harbour, hence the large size of the church. The church is commonly referred to as the "Cathedral of the North". [8] In 1977, the municipality merged into Sint-Laureins. [3]
Includes the hamlet of Linde