Temse, Belgium

Welcome to Temse, a picturesque municipality located in East Flanders, Belgium. With a rich history dating back to the Stone Age, Temse offers visitors a glimpse into the past while also providing modern amenities and attractions. The name Temse is derived from the Gallo-Roman/Gaul Tamisiacum or Tamasiacum, which is also reflected in the French name for the town, Tamise. The municipality, which lies on the left side of the River Scheldt, comprises the towns of Elversele, Steendorp, Temse and Tielrode. On 1 January 2018, Temse had a population of 29,528. The total area is 39.92 km² which gives a population density of 740 inhabitants per km².

One of the main attractions in Temse is the Church of Our Lady, which features Romanesque and Gothic architecture and a 17th-century interior. The steeple of the church was designed by the famous sculptor Adriaan Nijs, who also sculpted the wooden pulpit. Inside the church, the relics of Amalberga of Temse are venerated. Close by stands the old Gemeentehuis (town hall), built in Flemish Eclectic style, housing a carillon in its main tower.

Temse also boasts the Temse Bridge, a road bridge originally designed by Gustave Eiffel. The bridge offers stunning views of the River Scheldt and is a popular spot for photography. Visitors can also explore the Old Town Hall (Gemeentehuis), which was completed in 1906 and features Flemish Eclectic style architecture.

For those interested in history, Temse offers a wealth of archaeological finds from the late Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Gallo-Roman period. The Christianization of the municipality took place before 772, and in 864 the village was donated to the Blandinus abbey in Ghent by the Count of Flanders. Temse also played a role in aviation history, as the Internationale Vliegweek voor Watervliegtuigen (International Flying Week for Seaplanes) took place here in 1912.

Temse is also known for its local cuisine, which includes dishes such as waterzooi (a stew made with chicken or fish), stoofvlees (beef stew), and paling in ‘t groen (eel in green sauce). Visitors can sample these dishes and more at local restaurants and cafes.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or cuisine, Temse has something to offer everyone. Come explore this charming municipality and discover why it’s a hidden gem in Belgium.