Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (French, ) or Sint-Agatha-Berchem (Dutch, ), 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).

, the municipality had a population of 25,298 inhabitants. The total area is 2.95 km2, which gives a population density of 8582 PD/km2. 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

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.