St. Willibrorduschurch

Middelkerke became an independent parish in 1293, but their church flooded in 1334. The building was destroyed in 1576 because of the wars of religion. The south aisle was restored in 1635 and the tower, which now served as the west tower, in 1681. The building was demolished again from 1848 until 1850, but the tower was preserved. A new church was built in neo-Gothic style. During the First World War, the church and tower were shelled by the Allies and blown up by the German occupier in 1915. From 1919 until 1921, the church was rebuilt to a design by Gustaaf Vandamme, whereby the destroyed church was reconstructed as much as possible. From 1932-1935 the church was greatly expanded, with the existing church with choir still serving as an extension of the nave, now transverse to the new church, which was constructed in a neo-Romanesque style in a south-north orientation. This last design was also by Gustaaf Vandamme.