Broechem

Broechem is a part of the municipality of Ranst in Antwerp Province, Flemish Region, Belgium. The village is located on the highest point of the region.[1]

Broechem
Village
Church of Our Lady in Broechem.
Broechem Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 51.18122°N 4.60186°E
Country	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Antwerp
Municipality	Ranst
Area [1]
• Total	11.79 km^2 (4.55 sq mi)
Population  (1976)[1]
• Total	3,269
• Density	280/km^2 (720/sq mi)
Time zone	CET

History

The village was first mentioned as Polypticon in 868 or 869. The village was part of the abbey of Tongerlo. In 1542, the village was plundered and set on fire by the troops of Maarten van Rossum. Between 1909 and 1912, the Fortress of Broechem was constructed, and was the scene of heavy fighting in the Siege of Antwerp during World War I.[1]

Broechem was an agricultural village with many orchards.[1] In 1977, the municipality was merged into Ranst.[2]

Attractions

Bossenstein Castle

The oldest part of the Bossenstein Castle is the keep which dates from the 14th century. The castle used to be owned by the Van Berchem family. In 1655, the castle was extended. In 1906, the Bossenstein Castle was extensively restored. Nowadays it is owned by a golf and polo club.[3]

Notable people

• Jürgen Cavens (1978), football player.[4]
• Tuur Dierckx (1995), football player.[5]

References

1. "Broechem". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 29 October 2020.
2. "Ranst". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 29 October 2020.
3. "Bossenstein Castle". Spotting History. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
4. "J. Cavens". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
5. "T. Dierckx". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 October 2020.

External links

• Media related to Broechem at Wikimedia Commons