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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).
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2020) |
Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
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|---|---|
 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 (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 2022[update], 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".
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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.
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
Villa Marie-Mirande
Cité Moderne
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- 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.
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