Sint-Niklaas, with a population of 69,000, is in Flemish-speaking Belgium
between Ghent and Antwerp and is one of the larger towns in Belgium. It
was officially twinned with Abingdon in 1967 and this is still in existence,
but due to local government changes in 1974, a 'Treaty of Friendship'
was signed between the town and the Vale of White Horse.
Sint-Niklaas has the largest market place in Belgium that has recently
been re-planned with a large parking space underneath it. During the first
weekend of September each year the Peace Celebrations, including a great
gas and hot air balloon festival, are held there.
There is a diverse range of fine museums, catering for interests from
map-making to hairdressing. It has a large recreation park, De Ster,
with lake, sandy beaches and sports facilities. |
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Situated on the main rail network in northeast Belgium,
Sint-Niklaas is only 29 miles from Brussels, 50 miles from Bruges, 12
miles from Antwerp and 70 miles from Lille, France, therefore ideally
placed for many interesting excursions. |