Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (French, pronounced [bɛʁkɛm sɛ̃t aɡat]) or Sint-Agatha-Berchem (Dutch, pronounced [sɪnt aːˈɣaːtaː ˈbɛrxɛm] ⓘ), often simply called Berchem, is one of the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium. Located in the north-western part of the region, it is bordered by Ganshoren, Koekelberg, and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, as well as the Flemish municipalities of Asse and Dilbeek. In common with all of Brussels' municipalities, it is legally bilingual (French–Dutch).

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (French)
Sint-Agatha-Berchem (Dutch)
Municipality
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe's Municipal Hall
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe's Municipal Hall
Flag of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Flag
Coat of arms of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Coat of arms
Location of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is located in Belgium
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Location in Belgium
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region
Coordinates: 50°52′N 04°18′E
Country Belgium
CommunityFlemish Community
French Community
RegionBrussels-Capital
ArrondissementBrussels-Capital
Government
 • MayorChristian Lamouline (LBR)
 • Governing party/iesLBR, PS-sp.a+, Ecolo-Groen
Area
 • Total2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi)
Population
 (2020-01-01)[1]
 • Total25,502
 • Density8,600/km2 (22,000/sq mi)
Postal codes
1082
NIS code
21003
Area codes02
Websiteberchem.brussels/fr (in French)
berchem.brussels/nl (in Dutch)

As of 1 January 2022, the municipality had a population of 25,298 inhabitants.[2] The total area is 2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi), which gives a population density of 8,582/km2 (22,230/sq mi).[2] The municipality is known for its calm and peaceful character. It is said that Berchem is a "village in the city".

History

In the Middle Ages, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe was a modest village on the edge of Brussels. In 1795, it received the status of an autonomous municipality. In 1841, it separated from neighbouring Koekelberg, and in 1954, it became a part of the Brussels-Capital Region.

Main sights

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe has a rich cultural and architectural heritage.[3] Some of the main points of interest include:

  • The former Church of St. Agatha, an old 12th-century Romanesque church. Completely renovated from 1972 to 1974, it is now deconsecrated and used for cultural ceremonies and celebrations.
  • The Villa Marie-Mirande, an Art Nouveau house by the architect Victor Tinant[4]
  • The Cité Moderne, a housing project designed and built from 1922 to 1925 by the modernist architect Victor Bourgeois
  • Former Church of St. Agatha
    Former Church of St. Agatha
  • Villa Marie-Mirande
    Villa Marie-Mirande
  • Cité Moderne
    Cité Moderne

Famous inhabitants

References

Notes
  1. "Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2020". Statbel.
  2. "Berchem-Sainte-Agathe | IBSA". ibsa.brussels. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  3. "Berchem-Sainte-Agathe – Inventaire du patrimoine architectural". monument.heritage.brussels (in French). Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  4. "Villa Marie-Mirande – Inventaire du patrimoine architectural". monument.heritage.brussels (in French). Retrieved 28 December 2021.
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