Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe or Sint-Agatha-Berchem, 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.
, the municipality had a population of 25,787 inhabitants. The total area is, which gives a population density of. 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 early 20th-century Art Nouveau town house designed by the architect Victor Tinant.
- The main pavilion of the former French Hospital, designed in neoclassical style by the architect Gustave Maukels and completed in 1928–29.
- The Cité Moderne, a housing project designed and built from 1922 to 1924 by the modernist architect Victor Bourgeois.
Notable inhabitants
- David Lachterman, radio and television comedian and commentary expert
- Alexis Saelemaekers, football player who has played as a winger for R.S.C. Anderlecht and A.C. Milan
- Françoise Schepmans, politician and mayor of Molenbeek, was born there.
- Jean-Claude Van Damme, actor and martial artist, was born there.
- Rudi Vervoort, politician and Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, was born there.