Klein-Sinaai
Encyclopedia
Klein-Sinaai is a village near the Dutch border in the Belgian municipality of Stekene
in the province of East Flanders
. Until 1976 it was an independent municipality.
In Klein-Sinaai are the remains of Boudelo Abbey (also known as Boudeloo Abbey), formerly a monastery
of the Cistercians.
The abbey was founded in the year 1197 when Boudewijn of Boekel, a monk from St. Peter's Abbey in Ghent
, settled in Klein-Sinaai as a hermit. In the early 13th century the abbey was recognised by the Bishop of Doornik. In 1578 the abbey was destroyed by Calvinists from Ghent
, but was rebuilt a few years later, within the walls of Ghent itself.
The museum of cultural history in Sint-Niklaas
exhibits several archaeological finds from Boudelo Abbey.
Stekene
Stekene is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. Since 1976 the municipality has comprised the towns of Kemzeke, Klein-Sinaai and Stekene proper. It also includes the villages of Hellestraat and Koewacht. On July 1, 2007 Stekene had a total population of 17,040...
in the province of East Flanders
East Flanders
East Flanders is a province of Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium. It borders on the Netherlands and in Belgium on the provinces of Antwerp, Flemish Brabant , of Hainaut and of West Flanders...
. Until 1976 it was an independent municipality.
In Klein-Sinaai are the remains of Boudelo Abbey (also known as Boudeloo Abbey), formerly a monastery
Monastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
of the Cistercians.
The abbey was founded in the year 1197 when Boudewijn of Boekel, a monk from St. Peter's Abbey in Ghent
Ghent
Ghent is a city and a municipality located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. The city started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys and in the Middle Ages became one of the largest and richest cities of...
, settled in Klein-Sinaai as a hermit. In the early 13th century the abbey was recognised by the Bishop of Doornik. In 1578 the abbey was destroyed by Calvinists from Ghent
Ghent
Ghent is a city and a municipality located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. The city started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys and in the Middle Ages became one of the largest and richest cities of...
, but was rebuilt a few years later, within the walls of Ghent itself.
The museum of cultural history in Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Sint-Niklaas proper and the towns of Belsele, Nieuwkerken-Waas, and Sinaai....
exhibits several archaeological finds from Boudelo Abbey.