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{{For|the Swiss municipality|St. Niklaus}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox Belgium municipality
|name             = Sint-Niklaas
|namefr           = Saint-Nicolas
|type             = city
|picture          = Sint-Niklaas April 2012-1.jpg
|picture-legend   =
|map              = Sint-Niklaas East-Flanders Belgium Map.svg
|map-legend       = Location of Sint-Niklaas in East Flanders
|arms             = Blason ville be Sint-Niklaas (avec ornements).svg
|flag             = Flag of Sint-Niklaas.svg
|province         = [[East Flanders]]
|arrondissement   = Sint-Niklaas
|nis              = 46021
|mayor            = [[Lieven Dehandschutter]] ([[N-VA]])
|majority         = [[New-Flemish Alliance|N-VA]] - [[Groen (political party)|Groen]] - [[OpenVLD]]  
|postal-codes     = 9100, 9111, 9112
|telephone-area   = 03
|web              = [http://www.sint-niklaas.be/ www.sint-niklaas.be]
|coordinates      = {{coord|51|10|N|04|08|E|region:BE|display=inline,title}}
}}

'''Sint-Niklaas''' ({{IPA|nl|ˌsɪnt nɪˈklaːs|lang|nl-Sint-Niklaas.ogg}}; {{langx|fr|Saint-Nicolas}}, {{IPA|fr|sɛ̃ nikɔla|}}) is a [[Belgium|Belgian]] [[City status in Belgium|city]] and [[Municipalities in Belgium|municipality]] located in the [[Flemish Region|Flemish]] [[Provinces of Belgium|province]] of [[East Flanders]]. The municipality comprises the city of Sint-Niklaas proper and the towns of [[Belsele]], [[Nieuwkerken-Waas]], and {{ill|Sinaai|nl}}.

Sint-Niklaas is the capital and major city of the [[Waasland]] region straddling the [[East Flanders]] and [[Antwerp (province)|Antwerp]] provinces.  The city is known for having the largest market square in Belgium. At one point this square also boasted the largest Christmas tree, and the largest easter egg in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.nl/detail/nieuwsfoto's/tourists-look-at-the-worlds-largest-easter-egg-on-march-nieuwsfotos/52473988|title=World's Biggest Easter Egg Goes On Show|date=2005-03-24|website=Gettyimages}}</ref>

==History==

===Thirteenth-century origins===
Although some traces of pre-Roman activity have been found on the territory of Sint-Niklaas, the regional centre during [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] times was neighbouring [[Waasmunster]], better located on the river Durme. [[Belsele]] was already mentioned in a 9th-century document. The history of Sint-Niklaas proper, however, starts in 1217, when the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Tournai|bishop of Tournai]], following advice from the local clergy, founded a church dedicated to [[Saint Nicholas]] here. The new parish was to depend on the [[See of Tournai]] until the middle of the 16th century. Politically, however, it was part of the [[County of Flanders]]. The power of [[Flanders]] at that time favoured the rapid economic development of the city, which became the administrative centre of the region in 1241. A document dated from 1248 records that [[Margaret II, Countess of Flanders]], ceded additional territory to the parish of Sint-Niklaas with the proviso that it would remain bare, which explains the unusual size of the central market square today.{{clarify|date=March 2017}}

===14th to 17th century===

The city was never walled, which made it an easy target for conquest. In 1381, it was engulfed by fire and plundered. However, the central location of Sint-Niklaas between [[Ghent]] and [[Antwerp]], not far from the [[Scheldt]], favoured further development. By 1513, [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor|Emperor Maximilian]] had granted the city the right to hold a weekly market. Around 1580, the church of Saint Nicholas suffered heavy damage from roving [[Iconoclasm|iconoclasts]]. The 17th century was generally a period of prosperity that was marked by economic growth, mostly in the flax and wool industries. This was also the time when Sint-Niklaas was endowed with administrative buildings and three cloistered communities ([[Oratory of Saint Philip Neri|Oratorians]], [[Franciscan]]s, and [[Nun|Black Sisters]]), which provided educational, religious, and medical services to the region. On 25 May 1690 another fire destroyed most of the city. During this period the famous Spanish noble family Sanchez de Castro y Toledo resided in Sint-Niklaas.<ref>Recuerdos españoles en Flandes, Volume 3</ref>

===18th century until now===
In the 18th century, the [[Austria]]n regime was favourable to Sint-Niklaas. The flagship textile industry adapted well to mechanization and added cotton products to its portfolio in 1764. At the end of the century, the [[French Revolution]] brought its mixture of religious intolerance and modern administration to the city. [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]] came to visit Sint-Niklaas in 1803 and officially promoted it to the rank of city. The 19th century witnessed a general decline in the textile industry. Several new buildings were erected, including the current city hall and the ''Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk'' (Church of Our-Lady). 

During the start of [[World War II]], Sint-Niklaas was bombed multiple times by the German forces. On May 10 1940, the first bombing took place by the [[Luftwaffe]]. The road leading from Ghent to Antwerp (today known as the N70 motorway) was hit by [[Incendiary device|incendiary bombs]] at the height of Tereken and the Baenslandwijk, causing no major damage and only 15 injuries. Two days later, on the 12th of May, when the Ankerstraat, Antwerpse Steenweg, Klein Hulst, Lindenstraat en Papenakkerstraat were all hit by [[brisance]] and incendiary bombs. The attack killed two civilians and caused the local [[Dean (Christianity)|Dean]] to burn to the ground. The biggest attack happened on the 17th of May: at around 12:30, bombs of either 2 or 4 Luftwaffe planes hit the Dalstraat, Gasmeterstraat, Molendreef (today known as the Kroonmolenstraat) and the Spoorweglaan. The bombing raid caused considerable damage and killed over 80 civilians of the city, including 2 soldiers. 70 civilians were killed instantly. 51 of these deaths were refugees from the Dutch city of [[Breda]] who were travelling to Antwerp. They hid in the local female elementary school at the Gasmeterstraat when the school was hit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.archiefsintniklaas.be/verhalen/meidagen-1940|title=Meidagen 1940|date=14 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oorlogsbronnen.nl/bombardement/Bombardement%20op%20Sint-Niklaas|title=Bombardement op Sint-Niklaas|date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hln.be/sint-niklaas/laatst-overlevende-bombardementen-17-mei-1940-bezoekt-oorlogsmonument~aec54a16/|title=Laatst overlevende bombardementen 17 mei 1940 bezoekt oorlogsmonument|date=18 May 2015}}</ref> After this attack, two more followed. On the 19th of May, an air raid with brisance bombs killed 8 civilians and injured 20 more. A bomb also hit the church of Saint Nicholas from the roof but failed to detonate, saving the church from complete destruction. Two other bombs destroyed the [[Leadlight|leaded windows]] of the church. On the 28th of May, the last bombing raid on Sint-Niklaas occurred. The Hertenstraat was hit by the Luftwaffe, hitting three residential buildings as a result and injuring one civilian, who later died at the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sint-niklaas.be/herdenking-17-mei|title=Herdenking 17 mei|date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sint-niklaas.be/sites/portaal/files/2020-05/OIDS_1940.pdf|title=Stad Sint-Niklaas: Oorlog in de stad|date=1990}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pieterserrien.be/2015/05/21/duitse-bombardementen-op-belgie-tijdens-de-tweede-wereldoorlog/|title=Duitse bombardementen op België tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog|date=21 May 2015}}</ref>

After WWII, the textile industry of Sint-Niklaas never recovered and went through a crisis. Today, the historic centre of the city has become mostly a shopping and services district.

== Heritage ==
[[File:Sint niklaas.jpg|thumb|Sint-Niklaas Town Hall]]
[[File:Sintborduur.jpg|thumb|Saint-Nicholas, 17th century embroidery restored by [[Henri Van Severen]]]]
[[File:Scheerders van Kerchove SN.jpg|thumb|Scheerders van Kerchove, united factories]]
[[File:Walburgkiosk.JPG|thumb|The main kiosk in Gothic revival]]
[[File:OLV-gewelf.jpg|thumb|Fresco in Neo Byzantine style of the Church of Our Lady]]

*The main Church of Saint Nicholas was founded in the 13th century and gave its name to the city.  After heavy damage in the 16th century, the interior was redone in the [[Baroque]] style. 
* [[St. Joseph Minor Seminary]], catholic school.
*The {{Ill|Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Sint Niklaas|nl|Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Bijstand-der-Christenenkerk (Sint-Niklaas)}}, built in the 19th century, famous for its Byzantine revival interior, and 6m tall statue of our lady on top, covered in fine gold. 
* Town Hall, in gothical revival style, was built after the old hall burned down.
* [[List of city squares by size|The largest]] market square in Belgium, founded by [[Margaret II, Countess of Flanders]].
*The [[Gerardus Mercator]] Museum traces the history of [[cartography]] back to its origins.  The museum also houses two original globes that belonged to the famous [[List of cartographers|cartographer]].
*Other churches and museums include: Saint Joseph, Christ the King, Saloons of Fine Arts and Zwijgershoek.
* The [[Huis Janssens]]

==Events==
*On the first weekend of September, Sint-Niklaas hosts an international balloon meeting ("Vredesfeesten") and a three-day music festival called "Villa Pace".
*During the last week of the year, Sint-Niklaas is the host of the Flanders Volley Gala, an international volleyball tournament.
*The city hosts seven [[Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France|processional giants]]:  Janneken, Mieke, [[Sinterklaas]] and [[Zwarte Piet]], and the three [[Biblical Magi|Magi]]: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.

==Transportation==
Because of its location on the vital axis from [[Ghent]] to [[Antwerp]], Sint-Niklaas has excellent connections by train and car.  The [[European route E17|E17]], one of Belgium's busiest highways, passes the city; the [[N16 road (Belgium)|N16]] dual carriageway leads to [[Mechelen]] and [[Brussels]].

Trains depart every half-hour to Ghent and Antwerp and hourly to Brussels, Mechelen and [[Leuven]] from the new railway station.  The city also has an extensive network of buslines, both regional and local.  Throughout the city's main thoroughfares, buses drive in designated lanes.

Sint-Niklaas was awarded the title of Most Pedestrian Friendly City in Flanders after the restoration of its central Market area.

==Mayors==
Mayors since the end of [[World War II]]:
* {{Ill|Henri Heyman|nl}} (Catholic) (1933–1946);
* {{Ill|Romain De Vidts|nl}} ([[Christian Democratic and Flemish|CVP, now CD&V]]) (1947–1962);
* {{Ill|Frantz Van Dorpe|nl}} (CVP, now CD&V);
* {{Ill|Paul De Vidts|nl}} (CVP, now CD&V) (1977–1988);
* {{Ill|Lieven Lenaerts|nl}} (CVP, now CD&V) (1995–1996);
* {{Ill|Jef Foubert|nl}} (CVP, now CD&V) (1997–2000);
* [[Freddy Willockx]] ([[Socialist Party – Different|SP.A]], now Vooruit) (1989–1994 and 2001 - June 2010);
* {{Ill|Christel Geerts|nl}}, the first female mayor of Sint-Niklaas. ([[Socialist Party – Different|SP.A]], now Vooruit) (July 2010 - 2012);
* [[Lieven Dehandschutter]] ([[Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie|N-VA]]) (2013 - ).

==Famous citizens==
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{{Columns-list|
*[[Alex Callier]] and [[Raymond Geerts]], musicians ([[Hooverphonic]])
*[[Philip Coppens (author)|Philip Coppens]], author (1971–2012)
*[[Maurits Coppieters]], politician (1920–2005)
*{{Interlanguage link multi|August de Maere|nl}}, engineer, creator of the Zeebrugge Port (1802–1885)
*[[Martin De Prycker]], engineer, CEO of [[Barco NV|Barco]] (b. 1955)
*[[Els de Schepper]], Flemish actress, comedian and writer (b. 1965)
*[[Sean Dhondt]], TV presenter and leadsinger 'Nailpin' (b. 1984)
*[[Ilyo Hansen]], [[author]] (b.1966)
*[[Gustaaf Joos]], cardinal
*[[Tom Lanoye]], [[author]] (b. 1958)
*[[Sven Maes]], DJ (b. 1973)
*[[Daniël Ost]], [[Floristry|florist]] (b. 1955)
*[[Luis Siret]], archaeologist and illustrator (1869–1934)
*[[Marc Sleen]], [[comics artist]] (1922–2016)
*{{iLL|Woodie Smalls|NL}}, rapper (b. 1996)
*[[Paul Snoek]], poet (1933–1981)
*[[Tom Steels]], [[road bicycle racing|road cyclist]] (b. 1971)
*[[Antoon Stillemans]], bishop of Ghent (1832-1916)
*[[Edgar Tinel]], composer, born in [[Sinaai]] (1854–1912)
*[[Marc Vael]], computer scientist (b. 1967)
*[[Wouter Van Bellingen]], politician (b. 1972)
*{{Interlanguage link multi|Sandrine Van Handenhoven|nl}}, artist (b. 1984)
*[[Henri Van Severen]], gold embroiderer
*[[Anton van Wilderode]], poet (1918–1998)
*[[Angelo Vermeulen]], visual artist (b.1971)
*[[Yari Verschaeren]], footballer (b. 2001)
*[[Lisa Verschueren]], gymnast (b. 1995)
*[[Jan Vertonghen]], footballer (b. 1987)
*[[Erik Wijmeersch]], athlete (b.1970)
}}

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Belgium}}

===Twin towns — Sister cities===
Sint-Niklaas is [[twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Colmar]], France
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lucca]], Italy
*{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Brest, Belarus|Brest]], Belarus
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[Abingdon, Oxfordshire|Abingdon]], United Kingdom
||
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Schongau, Bavaria|Schongau]], Germany
*{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Gorinchem]], Netherlands
*{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Tábor]], Czech Republic
*{{flagicon|SLO}} [[Krško]], Slovenia
*{{flagicon|SEN}} [[Tambacounda]], Senegal
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commonscatinline}}
*{{wikivoyage-inline|Sint-Niklaas}}
*[http://www.sint-niklaas.be Official website] - Information available in [[Dutch language|Dutch]] and limited information available in [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]]
*[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/feb/25/alexduvalsmith.theobserver Flemish couples don't want to be wed by Wouter], ''[[The Observer]]'' article on racism in Sint-Niklaas

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Sint-Niklaas
|North     = [[Stekene]], [[Sint-Gillis-Waas]]
|East      = [[Beveren]]
|South     = [[Waasmunster]], [[Temse]]
|Southwest = [[Lokeren]]
|Northwest = [[Moerbeke]]
}}
{{Municipalities in East Flanders}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sint-Niklaas| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of East Flanders]]
[[Category:Waasland]]
[[Category:Populated places in East Flanders]]