Maasmechelen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maasmechelen
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 Maasmechelen
Location in Belgium
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| Country | Belgium | ||
| Community | Flemish Community | ||
| Region | Flemish Region | ||
| Province | Limburg | ||
| Arrondissement | Tongeren | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 76.28 km2 (29.45 sq mi) | ||
| Population
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| • Total | Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1,575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | ||
| Postal codes |
3630-3631
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| Area codes | 089 | ||
| Website | www.maasmechelen.be | ||
Maasmechelen is a town in Belgium. It's located in the Limburg province, right by the Meuse river. This town is actually made up of several smaller villages that joined together.
Because Maasmechelen is close to the border and used to have coal mines, many people living here today come from different countries. You'll find people of Dutch, German, Polish, and especially Italian backgrounds.
Contents
History of Maasmechelen
Ancient Times
The Campine area, where Maasmechelen is, was formed during the ice age. The Meuse river brought sand and other materials from the Ardennes region. This higher land near fertile river clay was a great spot for early tribes. People lived here as far back as 2000 BC. Later, Celtic people moved into the area around 1000 BC.
During Roman times, this region was a border area. The main Roman road crossed the river near Maastricht. Settlements were built where Maasmechelen is now. These helped support the soldiers who protected the bridge in Maastricht.
Middle Ages and Beyond
After the Roman Empire fell, travel and trade slowed down for a few centuries. The Franks became the new rulers. Around the 7th century, trade on the river started up again. During this time, the river slowly moved eastward. Roman towns that were once on the right side of the river ended up on the left side.
The area had many streams and wet lands. This made it good for raising animals, not so much for farming. Land was often divided into smaller pieces. Some parts of Maasmechelen were given to the abbey of Saint Servatius in Maastricht. Other parts belonged to local lords who were loyal to the Holy Roman Emperor. Churches and cloisters were built as more people moved to the area.
19th and 20th Centuries
The French Revolution brought big changes. Many religious groups were broken up, and churches closed. The area was reorganized into new administrative parts. In the 1800s, Maasmechelen was still mostly a rural farming area.
A big change happened on May 20, 1901. André Dumont discovered useful coal in a nearby town called As. This led to coal mines opening in Eisden from 1923 to 1987. A special "garden city" with houses and a new church, called the mining cathedral, were built for the miners. Workers came from all over Europe to work in the mines. This is why you can still find many international restaurants in Eisden today.
Things to See and Do
- The largest part of the Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen is in Maasmechelen. This park protects the unique plants and animals of the Campine area.
- The Eisdense cité is a 20th-century garden city. It has special cottage-like houses in a park. This area shows the town's mining past. One of the houses has been turned into a museum.
- Maasmechelen Village is an outlet shopping center. It was built near the old mining area. In 2010, about 2.5 million people visited it!
- A working windmill from 1801 has been fixed up. You can visit it every other Sunday.
- There is also a small carnival museum. It is right next to the town's main square.
Events
- The annual carnival and parade happen every year on November 11. It starts at 11:11 am. People wear masks and entertain many visitors.
Sports in Maasmechelen
Maasmechelen is home to some well-known sports stars:
- Patrick Stevens is a sprinter. He was an Olympic finalist in the 200 meters race in 1996.
- Heidi Rakels is a judoka (judo athlete).
- The town has its own football club called K. Patro Maasmechelen.
- Maasmechelen also has the Duivelsbergcircuit. This is a popular international Rallycross track in Opgrimbie.
Famous People from Maasmechelen
- Katerine Avgoustakis, a singer who won "Star Academy" in 2005 (born 1983)
- Logan Bailly, footballer
- Ruben Bemelmans, tennis player
- Luca Brecel, snooker player
- Nico Claesen, former footballer
- Davy De Fauw, footballer
- Heidi Rakels, judoka
- Murat Selvi, professional footballer
- Dré Steemans, TV host
- Leandro Trossard, professional footballer
See also
In Spanish: Maasmechelen para niños
