Seafarers' Monument

The Seafarers' Monument is a stone memorial in Ostend that honors maritime workers through its imposing structure and sculptural details. The monument stands prominently along the waterfront, its vertical form rising above the surrounding area and creating a focal point in the harbor district.

The memorial was erected to honor Belgian seafarers who lost their lives while working at sea on the North Sea. It marks a period when maritime work posed significant dangers to those who made their living from the waters.

The monument reflects how deeply maritime traditions are woven into the identity of Ostend, with its design speaking to the generations of seafarers who built the city's character. Visitors sense this connection through the carefully chosen sculptural elements and the location itself along the water.

The monument sits directly along the coastal promenade and is easy to reach on foot by walking the beachfront or waterfront paths. Public transportation connects well to central Ostend, making it simple to arrive from other parts of the city.

The site serves as an annual gathering place where the community comes together each year to hold ceremonies honoring lost seafarers. These commemorative events give the monument a living role in the city beyond its function as a static structure.