a walk around Watervliet

The walk starts at Het Stee, and it is Veldstraat that takes us out of the village towards Muizenhol. Take in the view of the dykes and the vast polder plain that links Watervliet with Boekhoute, stretching right up to the Belgian-Dutch border.

However, we head south and cross the Stenenschuurbrug. Enjoy the view of the Leopold Canal. Via Landsdijk, a hamlet with a quaint little church and a magnificent view of the neighbouring village of Bassevelde, we return to the canal, where we cross by foot ferry. Passing the former Watervliet Monastery, we arrive back at the Stee.

"Nood Gods", Meester van Frankfurt

Most of the masterpieces of Flemish art history are on display in major museums in major cities. But one of the most impressive works by the Flemish Primitives can be found quite simply in the Church of Our Lady at Stee in Watervliet. Here hangs the painting ‘God’s Distress’ by the Master of Frankfurt, whose works can be admired in Frankfurt, Antwerp and Madrid. But also in Watervliet.

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Lauwerijn and Watervliet

Jeronimus Lauwerijn began his career as a clerical assistant to the Chief Tax Collector of Flanders. His role involved collecting tax revenues, and in this capacity he rose to the very top of the social hierarchy in Flanders and amongst the Burgundians whilst living in Bruges. In 1503, it was Philip the Fair who knighted him. He served as a councillor and chamberlain to Maximilian of Austria. He also looked after the children of Philip the Fair, the most famous of whom we know as Emperor Charles V. In the Meetjesland region, he invested in land reclamation projects and dreamt of turning Watervliet into a major port city. The Church of Our Lady in Watervliet (and its art treasures) is regarded as a remnant of Lauwerijn’s power in our region. His tombstone can be seen in the choir aisle. The church was built in 1501. A neo-Gothic tower was added in 1893. The tower and the baptistery were severely damaged at the end of the war in 1944 but were rebuilt in 1952.

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Further information and opening hours:

www.vlaamsemeestersinsitu.be

Group packages and guided tours:

Information and bookings via Sint-Laureins Tourist Office, 09 218 76 47 or dienstvrijetijd@sint-laureins.be

www.meetjeslandsegidsen.be
www.buitenzinnig.be
www.plattelandscentrum.be