Brakel

Brakel
Municipality
Michelbeke church

Flag
Coat of arms
Brakel
Location in Belgium
Location of Brakel in East Flanders
Coordinates: 50°48′N 03°45′E / 50.800°N 3.750°E / 50.800; 3.750Coordinates: 50°48′N 03°45′E / 50.800°N 3.750°E / 50.800; 3.750
Country Belgium
Community Flemish Community
Region Flemish Region
Province East Flanders
Arrondissement Oudenaarde
Government
 • Mayor Alexander De Croo (VLD)
 • Governing party/ies VLD, sp.a
Area
 • Total 56.46 km2 (21.80 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2017)[1]
 • Total 14,797
 • Density 260/km2 (680/sq mi)
Postal codes 9660, 9661
Area codes 055
Website www.brakel.be

Brakel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbraːkəl]) is a municipality in the Belgian province of East Flanders in the Denderstreek and the Flemish Ardennes. The name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo first mentioned in 866 and located in the center of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality has comprised the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added. On January 1, 2006, Brakel had a population of 13,726. The area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 243 per km². The mayor is Alexander De Croo.

The region is known for the green hills and valleys, which attract cyclists and walkers and play a role in the Tour of Flanders cycling race.

The Braekel chicken is named after the town.

The Uitkijktoren

The Uitkijktoren, a 32 metres (105 ft) high[2] viewing tower was opened in April 2001.[3] It is located at 50°48′45″N 3°44′21″E / 50.8124°N 3.7391°E / 50.8124; 3.7391 on the Twaalfbunderstraat, north-west of Nederbrakel. Orientation boards at the top enable visitors to identify places of interest in all directions.

Famous inhabitants

References

  1. ↑ Population per municipality as of 1 January 2017 (XLS; 397 KB)
  2. ↑ "Uitkijktoren Brakel" (in Dutch). Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen. Retrieved 2009-05-12.
  3. ↑ "Sign at the foot of the Uitkijktoren" (in Dutch).
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