Sint-Martens-Latem is located in the center of East Flanders. The town is very close to the large Belgian city of Ghent and is actually a suburb of it. Sint-Martens-Latem, as in the past, has a thriving floristry industry. Many locals specialize in growing flowers.

The first documented mentions of the settlement of Latem date back to the 9th century. The former name was transformed into its current name in the 16th century. Until the first half of the 20th century, the settlement was a large village, although even then it had some industrial development. There were several breweries in the village, fabric bleaching was carried out on the Leie River, and some families grew flowers for sale.

At the turn of the 20th century, a community of artists settled here. Sint-Martens-Latem attracted creative types with its beautiful landscapes – meadows, woodlands, and the tranquil Leie River. The artistic movement that developed at that time was known as the Latem School. Frits van der Berghe, Gustaf de Smet, and Constant Permeke created their works here.

Attractions
The Gustaf de Smet Museum houses an extensive collection of his works. It features drawings by the legendary Flemish expressionist. The Dhont-Dhanens Museum is an internationally renowned art center in Flanders, renowned for its activities in many European countries. The Gevaert-Minne Museum is renowned for its collection of paintings by Latem artists.

The oldest house in the town is the Tempelhof, built in the 17th century. It formerly housed judges and local government. The origin of the house’s name is believed to be connected to the Knights Templar who visited Latem. The 12th-century Church of St. Martin is notable for its architectural features, combining Gothic and Romanesque elements.

The town is home to Royal Golf Latham, founded in 1909. It is one of the oldest golf clubs in Belgium and occupies 39 acres. The site was formerly inland dunes.

The town’s surroundings offer numerous hiking and cycling trails, which run along the Leie River and through the Latem Marshes Nature Reserve.