Oostende is a town on the sea of an ultimate beauty. It has gained the recognition and passionate love of tourists for plenty of interesting landmarks and sights as well as for a vast choice of entertaining destinations. Among the most significant spots of tourist interest in the city the Saint Petrus and Saint Paulus church (Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk) is worth tourist attention. The church was built at the edge of the 19th – 20th centuries and is a genuine sample of Neo-Gothic style. The height of the church towers is about 72m. The premises of the church keep the table tomb of the first queen of Belgium – Marie Louise of Orleans.
The Sint-Pieters-Leeuw Tower (Sint-Pieterstoren) is a landmark of the earlier period. The construction is mostly known under nickname of “caster”. The tower is the only element of the church built in the 15th century which has survived till nowadays. The most remarkable fact about the church is that in the course of five hundred years of history the tower has not changed and still appears in its initial look. In the course of its long history the tower has not been restored or reconstructed in any scale way.
Those for whom shopping is more than entertainment will be happy to visit Ostend in October. In mid-autumn, the biggest street sales and colorful fairs are held in the city. Local farmers … Open
Among cultural establishments of the city the most interesting place to visit is the Raversijde museum complex named the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum. The open air complex takes a vast territory featuring plenty of original buildings and constructions, monuments and natural sights. The mansion house of the Prince Charles of Belgium is located on the premises of the museum complex, the area still keeps preserved several constructions of the period of the World War II as well as a part of an old fishermen village. The Oostende Museum of History offers a unique collection of showpieces. Pictorial art fans will love to visit the James Ensor Museum which collection is devoted to the life and creative work of the world renowned expressionist artist.
It’s a major port city and a famous resort. The city’s name can be translated as “Eastern Region” as originally it was located in the eastern part of Testerep Island. Later … Open
Another floating museum is IJslandvaarder Amandine, which was built for fishing purposes in 1960. Onboard the ship, you will find out a lot of interesting information on sailing and fishing. It sailed around the area of southern Iceland in summer and off the North Sea shores in winter. After the Icelandic Cod Wars, there were only two options: to leave the ship in domestic waters or around Iceland. The ship owners preferred the second one. In 1982, a sad incident that happened to the ship took the lives of two fishermen and two rescuers. In 1995, it was discovered in the depths of the sea, and five years later it was lifted out.
If you like to visit quiet, uncrowded cities with children, you will like Ostend for sure. One of the most popular family leisure centers is Wellington Racetrack - a first-class horse riding … Open
Many tourists arriving in the city by train immediately pay attention to the magnificent railway station building - Station Oostende. The first station appeared in Ostend in 1838, and the current building is the second one (opened in 1913). It is striking with its splendid classical architecture. Architects who worked on its project were inspired by Francois Mansart's works created during the reign of Louis XVI. Another fine architectural monument is the Palace of Justice Vredegerecht. It is attractive not only for its exterior but also for its stunning statue of Lady Justice standing on the roof.
Oostende will meet its guests with a wide choice of places to eat among which one will find not only excellent restaurants of Belgian cuisine but various exotic eating houses. One of the … Open
Museums in Ostend are worthy of a visit too. For example, this is the Stadsmuseum Oostende where you can get acquainted with everything related to the city - history, the lifestyle of the citizens' ancestors, their traditional folk craft. Right on the North Sea shore, you can find a beautiful sculptural composition called "Rock Strangers" by Belgian artist Arne Quinze. He presented his work in 2011 at the Global Green Box, which took place at the Statue of Liberty in New York. The sculpture became another great local landmark, having taken root, as if it had always been in the city, from the very moment of Ostend's foundation.
The picturesque seaside town serves as a permanent venue for many interesting festivals dedicated to various areas of local culture and contemporary art. One of the locals' favorite annual … Open