Sint-Agatha-Berchem

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (French, pronounced [bɛʁkɛm sɛ̃t aɡat]) or Sint-Agatha-Berchem (Dutch, pronounced [sɪnt aːˈɣaːtaː ˈbɛrxɛm] (listen)) 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).

Sint-Agatha-Berchem
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe  (French)
Sint-Agatha-Berchem  (Dutch)
Municipality
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe's Municipal Hall
Flag
Coat of arms
Sint-Agatha-Berchem
Location in Belgium
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region
Coordinates: 50°52′N 04°18′E
CountryBelgium
CommunityFlemish Community
French Community
RegionBrussels
ArrondissementBrussels
Government
 • MayorJoël Riguelle (cdH)
 • Governing party/iesMR (liberal)
Area
 • Total2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi)
Population
 (2018-01-01)[1]
 • Total24,830
 • Density8,400/km2 (22,000/sq mi)
Postal codes
1082
Area codes02
WebsiteOfficial website

On 1 January 2006, the municipality had a total population of 20,078. The total area is 2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi) which gives a population density of 6,807/km2 (17,630/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, Sint-Agatha-Berchem 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

Sint-Agatha-Berchem has a rich cultural and architectural heritage.[2] 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 desecrated and used for cultural ceremonies and celebrations.
  • The Villa Marie-Mirande, an Art Nouveau house by the architect Victor Tinant[3]
  • The Cité Moderne, a housing project designed and built from 1922 to 1925 by the modernist architect Victor Bourgeois
  • Former Church of St. Agatha
  • Villa Marie-Mirande
  • Cité Moderne

Famous inhabitants

Sint-Agatha-Berchem is the birthplace of actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme.

See also

References

Notes
  1. "Wettelijke Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2018". Statbel. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  2. "Berchem-Sainte-Agathe – Inventaire du patrimoine architectural". monument.heritage.brussels (in French). Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  3. "Villa Marie-Mirande – Inventaire du patrimoine architectural". monument.heritage.brussels (in French). Retrieved 28 December 2021.

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