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Sint-Pieterstoren (Peperbusse): A Resilient Landmark

A historic belfry in Ostend, the Sint-Pieterstoren (Peperbusse) is the enduring symbol of the city's resilience and rich architectural heritage.

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The Sint-Pieterstoren, or Peperbusse as it's known locally, is the last remnant of the old St. Peter's Church in Ostend, Belgium, which was destroyed by fire in 1896. This sturdy tower, with its square base dating back to 1478 and octagonal upper section completed in 1729, has become a beloved symbol of the city.

A brief summary to Sint-Pieterstoren (Peperbusse)

  • Prins Boudewijnstraat 5, Ostend, 8400, BE
  • +3259805500

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the tower to admire its architecture and the adjacent Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk.
  • Visit the tower during the Christmas Market to experience the festive atmosphere.
  • Explore the nearby Leopold Park for a relaxing break.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Oostende train station, walk straight ahead along the Leopold II-laan. Turn left onto the Sint-Pietersstraat. Walk for two blocks, and the Sint-Pieterstoren will be on your left, next to the Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No cost involved.

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere in Ostend, take a local bus or tram to the Oostende Stadhuis stop. From there, walk along the Christinastraat, turn right onto the Sint-Pietersstraat, and the Sint-Pieterstoren will be on your left. The tower is a few minutes walk from the Stadhuis. A single-journey ticket on De Lijn costs around €2.50.

  • Taxi

    From the train station, a taxi to the Sint-Pieterstoren will take approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi stands are available outside the station. The estimated fare is between €10-€15.

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Discover more about Sint-Pieterstoren (Peperbusse)

The Sint-Pieterstoren, affectionately called 'Peperbusse' (Pepper Pot) by locals, stands as a solitary reminder of Ostend's rich and often tumultuous past. It is the sole surviving structure of the original Sint-Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church), a Gothic hall church that was tragically consumed by fire in 1896. Despite the destruction, the tower was spared from demolition due to the pleas of prominent artists like Fernand Khnopff and Emile Verhaeren, who recognized its historical and artistic value. The tower's history is deeply intertwined with the story of Ostend itself. The heavy square base of the tower dates back to 1478, with the first stone laid on July 20th of that year. The octagonal upper structure that gives the tower its distinctive 'pepper pot' shape was added in 1729. The original St. Peter's Church, built in 1438, was destroyed and rebuilt twice, first during the Siege of Ostend (1601-1604) and again in 1706 by English naval bombardment during the War of the Spanish Succession. For a short period, a hermit even resided within the tower. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone several restorations, most recently in 1987-1989, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, the Sint-Pieterstoren is a protected monument and a cherished landmark in Ostend. While visitors may not be able to climb the tower, its presence offers a tangible connection to the city's history.

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