Damme

Damme is a town and municipality in the Belgian province of West Flanders, in the Flemish Region. It lies northwest of Bruges and is situated along the Damme Canal, a historic waterway that connects Bruges with the Dutch border region. The municipality includes the village of Damme and several surrounding rural hamlets.

Historically, Damme grew around the Abbey of Damme, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century. The abbey became an important religious and economic center for the region. Following secularization in the late 18th century, many abbey buildings were dismantled, but the abbey church and parts of the monastic precinct remain as a historic site and park-like area that is accessible to visitors.

The town center preserves a compact historic core with brick and stone houses, narrow streets, and a landscape typical of West Flanders. The surrounding countryside features canals and agricultural land, making the area popular for cycling and walking. Tourism is a component of the local economy, supplemented by small businesses and agricultural activity. Proximity to Bruges makes Damme a common destination for day trips from the city.

Notable landmarks include the remnants of the Abbey of Damme and the well-preserved townscape from the medieval to early modern periods. The town's cultural life is connected to its heritage, regional traditions, and the countryside setting that characterizes this part of West Flanders.