Famous for its belfry and excellent shopping, the town of Sluis is seen by many as ‘Burgundian’, a Dutch term for fun-loving and almost eclectic. Founded around 1280, it received city rights about ten years later. Its strategic location on the shore of the Zwin inlet led it to become a fortified town in 1382. The golden age of Sluis lasted until 1450, when the silting up of the Zwin made shipping impossible. The town played a role in the States-Spanish Lines (hyperlink Zeeland Anchors), but largely lost its purpose.