Axel

In the heart of the municipality of Terneuzen lies Axel, with 8,500 inhabitants. Axel, along with Hulst, Assenede, and Boekhoute formed 'the Four Ambachts'. Axel is surrounded by a creek area with old fortification remnants, part of an earthen fortification line between Hulst and Sas van Gent, a system of defensive works built by the Spaniards during the Eighty Years' War.

Axel is located in a wooded and creek landscape and amidst vast agricultural fields. Axel covers 260 hectares, of which 160 hectares are forest.

Axel was granted city rights in 1183 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Zeelandic Flanders. Prince Maurits made Axel a fortified town. The Eighty Years' War and the Geuzen left little of the town intact. During World War II, much was destroyed in and around Axel when a Polish military unit liberated this part of East Zeelandic Flanders. Only a few facades and buildings evoke memories of days gone by.

Especially during the busy weekly market on Saturday, Axel is definitely worth a visit. Axel is also worth visiting in terms of art and culture. For example, at the Regional Museum 'the land of Axel' or the Photo and Radio Museum. Scattered throughout the town are several monuments commemorating days gone by. For lovers of modern art, there is an art forest.

Dromos