| Originally a small fishing village, the city of Oostende | | | | the late 14th century. However, the city often fell |
| received its city charter in the 13th century and now | | | | victim to invading armies. Its importance as a harbour |
| has a population of 91,000 people, the largest | | | | rose in the 18th and 19th centuries, and a railway link |
| population on the Belgian coast. Set half way along | | | | to Brussels was built in 1838. In 1846 it became a |
| the 40 mile Belgian coastline, it became popular as a | | | | transit harbour to England, sending its first ferry boat |
| resort in the 19th century, when Kings Leopold I and | | | | to Dover. Today, hundreds of passengers travel |
| II spent their summers there. During World War II | | | | between Oostende and England in a space of just |
| the city was badly bombed.The city is protected | | | | two hours, which makes it a good weekend resort |
| from the North Sea by a series of large dikes built in | | | | for British travellers. |