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
Flag Coat of arms
Location of 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
Community	Flemish Community French Community
Region	Brussels-Capital
Arrondissement	Brussels-Capital
Government
• Mayor	Christian Lamouline [fr] (LBR)
• Governing party/ies	LBR, PS-sp.a+, Ecolo-Groen
Area
• Total	2.95 km2 (1.14 sq mi)
Population  (2020-01-01)[1]
• Total	25,502
• Density	8,600/km2 (22,000/sq mi)
Postal codes	1082
NIS code	21003
Area codes	02
Website	berchem.brussels/fr (in French) berchem.brussels/nl (in Dutch)

As of 1 January 2024^[update], the municipality had a population of 25,787 inhabitants.^[2] The total area is 2.95 km² (1.14 sq mi), which gives a population density of 8,741/km² (22,640/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 1924 by the modernist architect Victor Bourgeois.^[5]

• 
  Former Church of St. Agatha
• 
  Villa Marie-Mirande (1912)
• 
  Cité Moderne (1924)

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.