Meerbeke

Meerbeke is a village in the Denderstreek in the province of East Flanders in Belgium. Administratively it is part of the municipality of Ninove. This rural community is located along the Dender River on the western border of what is known as "Pajottenland". With a total surface of 1056ha it is the second largest village in Ninove (behind Denderwindeke). With 5.888 inhabitants (in 2021)^[1] it's the most populated village in Ninove, next to the centre of Ninove itself.

Meerbeke
Village
Church of Saint Peter at Meerbeeke, Belgium
Meerbeke Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50°49′28″N 4°02′25″E
Country	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Province	East Flanders
Arrondissement	Aalst
Municipality	Ninove
Area [1]
• Total	10.56 km2 (4.08 sq mi)
Population  (2021)[1]
• Total	5,888
• Density	560/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Time zone	CET

It is perhaps most known as the arrival location for the Flemish cycling race the Tour of Flanders (1973-2011).^[2] Meerbeke used to be an independent municipality until 1977 when it was merged into Ninove.^[3]