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Puurs

Puurs
Municipality
Puurs train station
Puurs train station
Flag of Puurs
Flag
Coat of arms of Puurs
Coat of arms
Puurs is located in Belgium
Puurs
Puurs
Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 51°05′N 04°17′E / 51.083°N 4.283°E / 51.083; 4.283Coordinates: 51°05′N 04°17′E / 51.083°N 4.283°E / 51.083; 4.283
Country Belgium
Community Flemish Community
Region Flemish Region
Province Antwerp
Arrondissement Mechelen
Government
 • Mayor Koen Van den Heuvel (CD&V)
 • Governing party/ies CD&V
Area
 • Total 33.41 km2 (12.90 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2016)
 • Total 16,999
 • Density 510/km2 (1,300/sq mi)
Postal codes 2870
Area codes 03, 052
Website www.puurs.be

Puurs (Dutch pronunciation: [pyːrs]) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. It is located in the Flemish Region. The municipality comprises the towns of Breendonk, Liezele, Kalfort, Ruisbroek (old spelling: Ruysbroeck) and Puurs proper. There is also the hamlet of Kalfort. On January 1, 2006, Puurs had a total population of 16,029. The total area is 33.41 km2 (13 sq mi) which gives a population density of 480 inhabitants per km².

Puurs sits about 5 meters above main sea level. Its geography shows only minor elevation differences (so it's basically flat).

Puurs is mainly rural, with some low intensity industry development in the North alongside the N16 motorway. However, because of its proximity to the cities of Antwerp and Brussels (both within a 25 km (16 mi) radius) and its excellent accessibility, Puurs is developing increasingly into a residential town.

Signs of habitation dating back to the Iron Age, as well as early Roman and Merovingian times, have been found in Puurs.

Arguably, the Benedictine abbeys of Saint-Cornelimunster of Aachen were the lords of Puurs in the 10th century A.D. In 1278 the municipality was acquired by the Abbey of Sint-Bernard's upon Scheldt, whose property it would remain until the end of the 18th century.

Puurs' Saint-Peter Church is quite large and is hence sometimes referred to as the region's "cathedral". It was built in the 15th century, on the remains of a roman-style church. The baroque-style bell tower was added in the late 17th century. The classical center piece was completed in 1744.

The lands of Kalfort are widely renowned for producing the most delicious asparagus, and at the beginning of summer a festival is held in honour of this "white gold".


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