Bollezeele is placed on one of the waves that mark the end of the Flemish hills and green nature.
The top of the15th century church is nicely pierced and floodlighted.
1500 habitants ( last count 1982 )
1754 hectares – hamlet of “ les 5 rues “ and “ pont d’Erkelsbrugge “
Canton of Wormhout – on Yser – at 12 km from Wormhout – 25 km from Dunkerque –
63 km from Lille -17 km from Saint Omer.
Local fair : 1st Sunday of July followed by a procession of 2 giants called Pet’je Noom and Met’je Moie followed by floats and dressed up groups.
The famous novena to Notre Dame of Bollezeele : every year from 24th June until 2nd July.
It’s a very well known pilgrimage who goes back to the XV century.
The village armorial bearings : black lion with red thong .
History of the name “ Bollezeele” : in the year 1119 under the pope Caliste 2 it started of as Bullingsele – Boullinselle – Bullesele and finally Bollezeele.
The word Bolle, Boule or Bolo seems to be a diminutive family name translated by Babolenus. Zeele is either the house or the property .
Bolle could be what we call at present a Mayor, Zeele the village.
The church was build at the end of the 15th century, but it seems that several parts of it existed already in the 12th century. It was extended after 1778.
You can still see altars and panelling of the 18th century ; paintings on wood and magnificent leaded-glass windows.
The organ is from 1670.
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