Berchem-Sainte-Agathe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
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Berchem-Sainte-Agathe's Municipal Hall
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 Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Location in Belgium
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| Country | Belgium | ||
| Community | Flemish Community French Community |
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| Region | Brussels | ||
| Arrondissement | Brussels-Capital | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(2018-01-01)Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
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| • Total | Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1,575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | ||
| Postal codes |
1082
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| Area codes | 02 | ||
| Website | berchem.brussels/fr berchem.brussels/nl |
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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).
As of 1 January 2022[update], the municipality had a population of 25,298 inhabitants. The total area is 2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi), which gives a population density of 8,582/km2 (22,230/sq mi). 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. 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
- The Cité Moderne, a housing project designed and built from 1922 to 1925 by the modernist architect Victor Bourgeois
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Former Church of St. Agatha
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Villa Marie-Mirande
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Cité Moderne
Famous inhabitants
- David Lachterman (1934–1992), radio and television comedian and commentary expert
- Alexis Saelemaekers (born 1999), football player who has played as a winger for R.S.C. Anderlecht and A.C. Milan
- Françoise Schepmans (born 1960), politician and mayor of Molenbeek, was born there.
- Jean-Claude Van Damme (born 1960), actor and martial artist, was born there.
- Rudi Vervoort (born 1958), politician and Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, was born there.
