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Berlare

Municipality in Flemish Community, Belgium

Schandpaal Gemeentehuis Dorp Berlare
File photo: Vandersmissen Marc · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Berlare (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbɛrlaːrə] ) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Berlare proper, Overmere and Uitbergen, as well as the village Donk. 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 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 style, is situated in Donk. There is a Way of the Cross and calvary with sculptures by Aloïs De Beule next to the chapel.

The Donkmeer is a lake, about 86 ha in size, that came into existence through the harvesting of peat.

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.

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, cyclist

Frank Van Laecke, theater, opera, musical and TV director

Cecile Bombeek, serial killer

Sports

Berlare has hosted the Triathlon Donkmeer for over forty years

BrigandZe Rugby Compagnie (2008)