Berlare () is a
municipality
A municipality is usually a single administrative division having municipal corporation, corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate.
The term ''municipality' ...
located in the Belgian province of
East Flanders
East Flanders ( ; ; ; ) is a Provinces of Belgium, province of Belgium. It borders (clockwise from the North) the Netherlands, Dutch province of Zeeland and the Belgian provinces of Antwerp (province), Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, Hainaut (provinc ...
. The municipality comprises the towns of Berlare proper,
Overmere and , as well as the village . The
Donkmeer, a large lake and a regional tourist attraction, is located centrally in the municipality. In 2021, Berlare had a total population of 15,222.
History
It was where the 1798 rebellion against French rule, known as the "''
Peasants' War''" began in 1798.
Places of interest
* The church of Saint Martin and a 17th-century
pillory
The pillory is a device made of a wooden or metal framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the head and hands, used during the medieval and renaissance periods for punishment by public humiliation and often further physical abuse. ...
in the center of Berlare proper. The Castle of Berlare, also in the town centre, was opened to the public in 2012.
* The Bareldonk Chapel, built in the 14th century and expanded in 1774 in
Rococo
Rococo, less commonly Roccoco ( , ; or ), also known as Late Baroque, is an exceptionally ornamental and dramatic style of architecture, art and decoration which combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colours, sculpte ...
style, is situated in Donk. There is a
Way of the Cross and
calvary with sculptures by next to the chapel.
* The
Donkmeer is a lake, about 86 ha in size, that came into existence through the harvesting of
peat
Peat is an accumulation of partially Decomposition, decayed vegetation or organic matter. It is unique to natural areas called peatlands, bogs, mires, Moorland, moors, or muskegs. ''Sphagnum'' moss, also called peat moss, is one of the most ...
.
* Recreation area Nieuwdonk.
* Forested areas with trails include Berlare Broek and the Gratiebossen.
* Riekend Rustpunt is a very small museum about the historic river transport of
manure from the city to the countryside.
Gallery
File:Berlare - Sint-Martinuskerk 1.jpg, Saint Martin's in Berlare
File:Bareldonk kapel 2011 07 24 00 02702.jpg, The Bareldonk Chapel in the village Donk
File:Kasteel van Berlare westgevel.jpg, The Castle of Berlare
File:Huurbootjes2.JPG, The Donkmeer is a regional tourist attraction
Notable people
*
Tjörven De Brul, soccer player
*
Fred De Bruyne, cyclist and TV commentator
*
Karel De Gucht, politician
*
Paul Cammermans, film director and actor
*
Yves Van Der Straeten, soccer player
*
Preben Van Hecke
Preben Van Hecke (born 9 July 1982) is a Belgium, Belgian former professional road bicycle racer, who competed professionally between 2004 and 2019 for the , and . He won the Belgian National Road Race Championships in 2015, out of a two-man brea ...
, cyclist
* , theater, opera, musical and TV director
*
Cecile Bombeek, serial killer
Sports
*
BrigandZe Rugby Compagnie (2008)
References
External links
*
*
{{Authority control
Municipalities of East Flanders
Populated places in East Flanders