Located in the north of Belgium, close to Antwerp, the small village of Doel can most certainly be called a ″ghost town″․ With its empty streets and abandoned houses, the once bustling community is now almost completely deserted․ Today, only a handful of inhabitants remain in Doel, compared to the more than 2000 who lived there in earlier years․ The question arises⁚ how did this once thriving village become a ghost town?
A Tragic Fate
The story of Doel is one of tragedy and uncertain future․ Situated near the river Scheldt, the village has a long history dating back over seven hundred years․ It was once a vibrant and prosperous place, known for its historic landmarks, including the oldest stonemill in Belgium, dating back to the 1600s, and the ancestral home of the famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens․
The Port Expansion
However, the fate of Doel took a turn for the worse when plans for the expansion of the nearby port of Antwerp were announced․ Doel found itself in the path of progress, as the Belgian government deemed it necessary to demolish the village to make room for the expanding harbor․ Many surrounding towns were demolished, but the determined inhabitants of Doel fought valiantly to save their beloved village․
A Battle Against Demolition
Despite numerous efforts and protests by the villagers, the government’s plans to demolish Doel were never fully executed․ Today, the village stands as a symbol of resistance, its buildings covered in graffiti, a mix of vandalism and intentional artwork meant to prevent their destruction․ The struggle to save the village continues, as the remaining residents cling to the hope of a revival․
An Uncertain Future
Doel’s future remains uncertain․ While some continue to fight for the preservation of the village, others argue that its demolition is inevitable․ The debate between development and historical preservation is ongoing, reflecting the larger dilemma faced by many cities around the world․
A Haunting Reminder
Doel serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our architectural heritage and the consequences of unchecked urban development․ This ghost town, with its empty streets and decaying buildings, stands as a testament to a bygone era and the stories of the people who once called it home․
