Merksem

Merksem
District of Antwerp

Coat of arms

District of Merksem within the city of Antwerp
Country  Belgium
Region  Flemish Region
Province Antwerp
Municipality Antwerp
Merksem, a view on major axis Bredabaan

Merksem (former spelling: Merxem) is a district of the municipality and city of Antwerp in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It has almost 42,000 inhabitants.

History

The history of Merksem goes back to Gallo-Roman times. During that period the region was mentioned as Merk (border) and Heim (settlement) being part of the diocese Kamerijk. Merksem has for centuries been part of a larger community together with Schoten and Sint-Job-in-'t-Goor. In the 16th century Merksem was separated from Schoten.

The road currently known as Bredabaan (Breda Road), once a major northern access to Antwerp, begins in Merksem and goes up north, all the way up until the border with The Netherlands. It ends in the Dutch city of Breda (hence the name). Other major axis-es would include Lambrechtshoekenlaan, Groenendaallaan, Maantjessteenweg and Ringlaan. Together with Bredabaan they could be considered as the boundaries of the centre of Merksem. Another suburb's main axis is a canal called: Albert Canal, which connects the Port of Antwerp to the river Maas and is an important component for freight traffic over water.

Economy

When Delsey Airlines (VG Airlines) existed, its head office was in Merksem.[1]

Sport and culture

The Sportpaleis and the Lotto Arena are both located in the district of Merksem and host major sporting events, live music and festivals.

References

  1. ↑ "Contact us in Belgium:" Delsey Airlines. 3 December 2002. Retrieved on 8 September 2010.

Coordinates: 51°14′34″N 4°26′29″E / 51.24278°N 4.44139°E / 51.24278; 4.44139


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