Doornzele

History

Doornzele is known for its (village square) which was first attested in 966. The settlement itself was first mentioned in 1337. The dries measures and is long. The church is located in the centre and the village has been built around the square. An abbey of the Benedictine Sisters has been known to exist in Doornzele since 1234. Shortly after, it was joined by Aurea Cella, an abbey of Cistercian nuns. In 1578, the abbeys were destroyed by Calvinists from Ghent. Doornzele was burnt in 1691 by French troops. In 1843, a monastery was established, and Doornzele became an independent parish in 1853. The grist mill Doornzelemolen was originally a wooden windmill belonging to the abbey. In 1839, the current stone windmill was built. In 1948, the axle brook and it continued to operate on three electro motors until 1970. In 1995, it was bought by the municipality and converted into a cultural centre. The lower floor is used as a cafetaria. The three upper floors are as a Rolle Bolle exposition centre.