Ostend
In the early Middle Ages, Ostend existed as a small village built on the east-end of an island called Testerep. This land sat between the North Sea and a beach lake. The community grew slowly until around 1265 when inhabitants gained permission to hold a market. They also received approval to construct a market hall for trade. Fishing provided the main source of income for these residents. The coastline remained unstable due to the power of the water. In 1395 villagers decided to build a new settlement behind large dikes. They moved further away from the threatening sea to ensure safety.
The Dutch rebels known as Gueuzen took control of the town during the conflict. A siege began in 1601 that lasted three years until 1604. Spanish forces assailed the unassable position while Dutch defenders held the indefensible ground. More than 80,000 people died or were wounded during this single battle. It became the bloodiest engagement of the entire Eighty Years' War. This shocking event set negotiations in motion that led to a truce several years later. When the truce broke down, Ostend served as a Dunkirker base for operations.
On the 19th of September 1826 an artillery magazine explosion killed at least 20 people and injured another 200. Disease followed the devastation leading to further deaths. The affluent quarter of d'Hargras was levelled by the blast. Despite this disaster, the harbour continued to expand with improved dock facilities. A railway connection with Brussels was constructed in 1838. Ostend became a transit harbour to England in 1846 when the first ferry sailed to Dover. Belgian kings Leopold I and Leopold II spent their holidays here. They commissioned monuments like the Hippodrome Wellington horse racing track. The Royal Galleries were built to please the Royal Family. Soon Ostend earned the title queen of the Belgian sea-side resorts.
The Germans placed anti-aircraft batteries along Fort Napoleon during World War I. On the 15th of October 1914, Ostend fell to German forces without fighting. German submarines stationed themselves in the city for much of the war duration. British raids occurred on the 23rd of April 1918 and again on the 9th of May 1918. During World War II, repeated bombing began on the 10th of May 1940. Fires broke out at Hotel Splendid on Kemmelbergstraat after three bombs struck. Over 50 Belgian soldiers died when a massive fire engulfed the hotel hospital. City hall destruction occurred on the 27th of May 1940 alongside the loss of paintings by James Ensor. A total of 407 Allied bombs dropped on the city made it Belgium's most bombed location. Many damaged houses remained standing for years before being torn down.
Ostend's Winter in the Park festival draws more than 600,000 people to the seaside city each year. During December, the Christmas market features vendors selling food and ice skating events. A light-show tunnel attracts visitors from all over Europe. The Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum in Raversijde allows public access to fortified sections. Markets occur in neighbourhood streets around Het Vissersplein during summer months. Brasseries line the car-free zone where patrons sit outside with drinks. Ferries can be observed docking near the port side. Tourists arrive by train to visit Klein Strand beach next to the pier. The Mercator sailing ship now serves as a museum open to the public.
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Common questions
When did Ostend gain permission to hold a market?
In 1265 inhabitants gained permission to hold a market and construct a market hall for trade.
What happened during the siege of Ostend from 1601 to 1604?
More than 80,000 people died or were wounded during this single battle which became the bloodiest engagement of the entire Eighty Years' War.
How many people died in the artillery magazine explosion on the 19th of September 1826?
At least 20 people died and another 200 were injured when an artillery magazine explosion killed residents and levelled the affluent quarter of d'Hargras.
Why is Ostend considered Belgium's most bombed location during World War II?
A total of 407 Allied bombs dropped on the city made it Belgium's most bombed location while fires destroyed Hotel Splendid and City Hall.
Who visits Ostend's Winter in the Park festival each year?
The event draws more than 600,000 people to the seaside city during December for food vendors ice skating events and light-show tunnels.