Sas van Gent, Canal town at Belgium-Netherlands border, Zeeland, Netherlands.
Sas van Gent is a lock settlement on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, divided by the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. The town in Zeeland connects the two countries through a network of sluices and waterways.
The settlement was founded in 1547 when Ghent received permission from Charles V to build a canal for direct access to the Scheldt. This authorization led to the construction of fortifications and sluices to control trade routes.
The Catholic Church of the Assumption dominates the town center with its three-aisled basilica design. It reflects the prosperity that the lock settlement gained during the industrial era.
The town sits in flat terrain shaped by its canals and sluices, which control boat traffic throughout the day. Visitors should follow the waterfront paths to reach the center and main landmarks easily.
Two sugar factories dominated the economy until the 1980s, transforming the place from a military fortification into an industrial port. These plants attracted workers and shaped the community for generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
