Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

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 (1912) 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. File:Eglise Sainte-Agathe.JPG|Former Church of St. Agatha File:Villa Marie-Mirande (1).jpg|Villa Marie-Mirande File:French Hospital (2).jpg|French Hospital File:Belgique - Bruxelles - Cité Moderne - 01.jpg|Cité Moderne ==Notable 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. ==References==