Watten is situated on the Aa River and, with its 72-meter-high "mountain", forms the last link in the chain of the Flanders Hills. Over the centuries the town has been fought over in countless battles. In 1072 a priest decided to establish a monastery on the hill. Today all that remains is the ruined abbey tower which dates from the 15th century.It was Watten's monastic presence that saved it from being abandoned. Just a few meters from the abbey, an 18th-century windmill has been completely restored and refitted with its working parts. The Church of Saint Gilles with its remarkable stained-glass windows offers visitors another intersting stop. In the vicinity, there is the feudal castle mound and the St. Martin spring at Wulverdinghe, plus the noted "hallenkerk" and Ste-Mildrede s chapel at Millam.
Tourist Office 12 rue de Dunkerque Phone/Fax: 03 21 88 27 78 E-Mail: otwatten@aol.com