Watervliet, Belgium

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
Village
The Our Lady-Church in Watervliet, built in the 16th century, is called the 'Cathedral of the North'
Watervliet Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 51.27515°N 3.62543°E / 51.27515; 3.62543
Country	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Province	East Flanders
Municipality	Sint-Laureins
Area [1]
• Total	21.09 km2 (8.14 sq mi)
Population  (2021)[1]
• Total	1,703
• Density	81/km2 (210/sq mi)
Time zone	CET

History

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]

Gallery

• 
  House in Watervliet
• 
  House in Watervliet
• 
  Village pump
• 
  Former town hall