De Dikke Van Dale Sluis - A Hamsphire Classic Hotel

Lamminsvliet

by pieter_jan_v

"A city since 1290"

"Sluis history"

Sluis is close tho the border of Belgium and the relations with the Southern neighbours marks the history of the town.

As early as 1280 a settlement with the name Lamminsvliet was started and soon grew in importance as a port serving the Belgium city of Brugge. As the connection to the sea changed dramatically at the time, the Northern route had to be opened and fortified. Not for nothing, because in 1340 The Batlle of Sluis took place.

In 1385 the construction of a castle started. This building was heavily damaged when French troops invaded in 1794. In 1829 the building was demolished.

From 1380 till 1450 the town was really blooming, but again the sea decided different. The route to the sea became shallower over time and Sluis lost its importance.

In 1587 the town was concuered by the Spanish lead by the Duke of Parma. After a battle at Sea in 1603 the town was liberated in the next year by Prince Maurits of Orange.

The trade route came back in 1858 when the "Damse Vaart" canal was constructed, allowing ships to sail to Brugge from the sea through Sluis. Bombing the canal facilities in early WWII stopped this again.

The liberation of Sluis in 1944 included heavy bombardments that destroyed a big part of the city.

After WWII Sluis was known for its sexshops, serving Belgians.

Nowadays it's a stopover for bikers touring in the coastal area of "Zeeuws Vlaanderen" and the Belgian coast.

Sluis in cold winter 2009

by Luchonda

"From Sluis to Bruges"

Sluis has an extremely rich history and culture. Located in the border region with Belgium it has seen trade and historic events take place since the establishment of the town over 760 years ago.
I visited this city recently, but couldn't spent a longer period.
Nevertheless i was surprised by it's charm and shopping facilities.
I will go back

Sluis

by grayfo

Sluis, an ancient and historic fortified port, is today a lively tourist centre with over 100 shops open seven days a week. Sluis is very popular for tourists, especially from Belgium and is conveniently located for the Dutch or Belgian coast, the Belgian cities of Bruges and Ghent, or even northern France.

" Useful website: - "

SluisOnline
Official Website (Dutch)
Visit Sluis (Dutch)

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