Hemiksem (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɦeːmɪksɛm], historical spellings Heymissen and Hemixem) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality only comprises the town of Hemiksem proper. In 2021, Hemiksem had a total population of 11,722. The total area is 5.44 km2.[2]

Hemiksem
Sint Bernardusabdij in Hemiksem
Sint Bernardusabdij in Hemiksem
Flag of Hemiksem
Coat of arms of Hemiksem
Location of Hemiksem
Map
Hemiksem is located in Belgium
Hemiksem
Hemiksem
Location in Belgium
Location of Hemiksem in the province of Antwerp
Coordinates: 51°09′N 04°21′E / 51.150°N 4.350°E / 51.150; 4.350
Country Belgium
CommunityFlemish Community
RegionFlemish Region
ProvinceAntwerp
ArrondissementAntwerp
Government
 • MayorLuc Bouckaert (CD&V)
 • Governing party/iesCD&V, Vooruit
Area
 • Total5.48 km2 (2.12 sq mi)
Population
 (2020-01-01)[1]
 • Total11,634
 • Density2,100/km2 (5,500/sq mi)
Postal codes
2620
NIS code
11018
Area codes03
Websitewww.hemiksem.be

History

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The village was first mentioned in 1155 as Hamincsem. In 1246, Cistercian monks established St. Bernard's Abbey, Hemiksem near the Scheldt, and became Lords of the heerlijkheid (landed estate) Hemiksem. The area used to be heavily forest. In 1358, the first brickworks was established, but it was an agricultural area until the 19th century. During the 19th century, Hemiksem started to industrialise and grow.[3]

Sights

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The most notable sight in Hemiksem is the 13th century St. Bernard's Abbey, which now houses the town hall and police headquarters, after having undergone extensive renovations in the past decade.[when?]

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References

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  1. ^ "Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2020". Statbel.
  2. ^ "Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 11018". Statistics Belgium. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Hemiksem". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 11 May 2022.
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