Ostend - the largest port of Belgium , located off the coast of the North Sea. Dawn of the city took place in the XIX century and the reign of King Leopold I. Today Ostend enjoys great popularity in the tourist world, because it harmoniously combines old buildings, modern beaches and various museums, and the nature in these places is simply fascinating with its beauty. Going on a trip, it would be nice to know where to visit and what to see in this nice little town. So, our article is devoted to the main sights of Ostend in Belgium .
Interesting places in Belgian Ostend
- The best way to get acquainted with the history of the city is by visiting the Peter and Paul Church , which was opened in 1905. The cathedral is built in the Neo-Gothic style and besides the religious shrines stores unique stained-glass windows depicting the rulers of Belgium and the holy apostles Peter and Paul. The church is also interesting because its western façade faces the east, so that tourists arriving to the harbor can see the amazing entrance to the cathedral, which is amazing in beauty.
- Continue to explore the past of Ostend will help tour the Spanish house - the oldest urban structure, erected in the second half of the XVIII century. For a long time the building was used as a laundry, a confectionery store, a minimarket of children's things and toys. However, in 1981, the Spanish house became the responsibility of the city authorities and soon acquired the status of a historical monument.
- The Thermal Palace of Ostend will help you to plunge into the cultural life of the city. In the XIX century, it was known throughout Europe as a health resort with healing and thermal waters. Today there is an art gallery, mobile exhibitions of young photographers and painters are organized. Not far from the Thermal Palace is opened a fashionable hotel, a garden is broken, a swimming pool is open.
- Despite the recent discovery, another popular attraction is another attraction Ostend - Monument to the Lost Fishermen . The monument was opened in early 1953 and represents a small stele, on top of which there is a seaman, who is strainingly peering into the sea. Under the monument are two anchors. On the opposite side of the stele, the sailor also rises, whose eyes are full of sadness and sadness. It is not difficult to guess that the monument is dedicated to all sailors who died in the sea depths.
- Be sure to plan an excursion to the Raverside Museum Complex , which consists of three open-air museums and a small park. The most interesting part is a reconstructed fishing village dating back to the 14th century. The village was destroyed in the XVII century, but thanks to the work of archaeologists it was possible to restore houses and their interior decoration.
Lovers of beach holidays will be interested in a trip to Ostend, because there are so many areas for a quiet secluded holiday. Despite the fact that the sea in these places is completely unfit for bathing because of cold water, tourists still want to get to the beautiful and cozy beaches of Ostend. Their territory is covered with snow-white sand, surrounded by lush vegetation. If desired, tourists can rent sports equipment and go surfing, kayaking, a ride on a boat.
In conclusion, I would like to say that you will like to travel to a quiet Belgian town, and among the many attractions of Ostend you are lucky to find one that really impresses.