Webcam Ostend. City beach
The city of Ostend lies in the province of West Flanders in Belgium. The city combines a major seaport and a famous resort with magnificent sandy beaches, occupying a wide coastal strip. In addition, Ostend is quite an important cultural and economic center.
The city has a railroad terminus in the direction of Ghent-Ostend, an international port and two harbors, one for yachts, the other - fishing. Near the railway station, combined with the sea station, there is a small tramway. There is a shore streetcar line.
The settlement here began in the 9-10 centuries. Mostly lived here fishermen and breeders, specializing in raising sheep. In the first quarter of the 9th century an abbey called St. Bertin was founded there. Ostend received city rights in 1267. Fairs were allowed on its territory.
The city's proximity to the coast meant that floods were frequent and caused much damage. As a result, it was decided to move the territory of the city further from the coast. A port was built on the coast.
After Napoleon's army was defeated, times were good for the city. The sea trade prospered, the port was developed, the railroad was laid. The place turned into a famous spa resort, where royalty were among the vacationers.
During the two world wars the city suffered considerable economic damage and destruction. During World War II, German submarines were based here. Despite the hard times, the city has managed to keep some historic buildings, the oldest of which is the "Spanish House", built in 1741. The main religious building in Ostend is the neo-Gothic St. Paul and Peter's Church, built in 1908.
On the shore of the North Sea there is a modern structure with a fascinating history. At the end of the 19th century a thermal palace was erected here for the recreation and entertainment of tourists. The building, popular with tourists, was destroyed by the Germans in 1940. In 1953 a new Art Nouveau building was erected in its place, which in 2005 was converted into a concert hall, where various cultural events are held today.
