Wavre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wavre
Wåve (Walloon)
Waver (Dutch)
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The church of St John the Baptist in Wavre
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 Wavre
Location in Belgium
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| Country | Belgium | ||
| Community | French Community | ||
| Region | Wallonia | ||
| Province | Walloon Brabant | ||
| Arrondissement | Nivelles | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 41.80 km2 (16.14 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 |
1300, 1301
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| Area codes | 010 | ||
| Website | www.wavre.be | ||
Wavre is a city in Belgium. It is the capital of the Walloon Brabant province in Wallonia.
The city is located in the Dyle river valley. Most people living here speak French. They are called "Wavriens" (for boys and men) and "Wavriennes" (for girls and women). Wavre includes three main areas: Bierges, Limal, and Wavre itself.
Wavre is also known as "the City of the Maca." This name comes from a statue of a small boy. The statue shows him trying to climb the wall of the city hall.
Contents
The History of Wavre
Wavre has a long and interesting history, with many changes over the centuries.
Early Times: Romans and Middle Ages
Long ago, the Ancient Romans built a large villa near Wavre. This shows that people lived and worked here a very long time ago. However, in the 3rd and 4th centuries, Germanic peoples invaded the area.
Wavre was first mentioned in history around the year 1050. It was part of the County of Leuven. A chapel built by the counts was later given to the Affligem Abbey. By the 1200s, Wavre was a growing town with a market. It was located where important roads crossed, connecting cities like Brussels and Namur.
In 1222, Duke Henry I of Brabant gave Wavre its city charter. This meant Wavre gained special rights and could govern itself more. The Affligem Abbey also built a priory here, which attracted many visitors.
Challenges from the 16th to 18th Centuries
Life in Wavre became difficult starting in 1489. Duke Albert of Saxony attacked and looted the city. This was because Wavre supported a revolt against Austria.
For the next two centuries, Wavre faced many problems. Foreign armies, like the Spanish in 1604, caused destruction. There were also serious illnesses in 1624–1625 and 1668. Big fires also damaged the city in 1695 and 1714.
The 18th century brought some peace and growth. But around 1790, Wavre joined the Brabant Revolution against Austrian rule. After the Battle of Fleurus (1794), the city became part of France. This period brought new challenges, like forced military service and changes to religious freedoms.
From Waterloo to Today
A very important event happened in Wavre on June 18 and 19, 1815. This was the Battle of Wavre. It took place on the same day as the famous Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon had sent his general, Marshal Grouchy, to chase part of the Prussian army.
Even though Grouchy could hear the cannons from Waterloo, he followed his orders. He fought the Prussian army in Wavre. By the time his battle ended, Napoleon had already lost at Waterloo.
The 1800s saw Wavre's industries grow. Factories for metal, paper, and sugar were built. Wavre was heavily affected by both World War I and World War II. There was intense fighting, bombings, and many homes were burned.
In the 21st century, Wavre has become a prosperous city. It is now the capital of the Walloon Brabant province, which was created in 1995.
Places to Visit in Wavre
Wavre has several interesting places to explore.
- The Church of St John the Baptist was built in 1475. It is in the Gothic style. Its main tower has a carillon with 50 bells.
- The City Hall dates from the 18th century. It is located in what used to be a church for the Carmelites. It has a beautiful courtyard.
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre (Basilique Notre-Dame de Basse-Wavre) is a special place for Roman Catholic pilgrims. Many people visit it.
- Walibi Belgium is a large amusement park. It opened in 1975 and was named after Wavre, Limal, and Bierges. Walibi is now the biggest amusement park in Belgium. It attracts over 1,000,000 visitors each year.
Wavre's Traditions and Folklore
Wavre has unique traditions that celebrate its history and culture.
- The Jeu de Jean et Alice is a play that happens every five years. It is a modern version of a medieval play. It tells the story of Jean and Alice, who were Lords of Wavre, and the city's people. This play celebrates when Wavre received its city charter in 1222. More than 500 people take part in this big event.
- The Grand Tour is a religious procession. It has been happening for about 200 years. It takes place every year on the Sunday after June 24. This date is the feast day of St John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of Wavre.
- During the city's carnival, large traditional giants take part in the fun. They are a special part of the festivities.
Climate in Wavre
| Climate data for Wavre(1991-2020) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 6.3 (43.3) |
7.4 (45.3) |
11.3 (52.3) |
15.6 (60.1) |
19.1 (66.4) |
22.0 (71.6) |
24.1 (75.4) |
23.8 (74.8) |
20.2 (68.4) |
15.4 (59.7) |
10.2 (50.4) |
6.7 (44.1) |
15.2 (59.3) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 3.5 (38.3) |
3.9 (39.0) |
6.7 (44.1) |
9.9 (49.8) |
13.6 (56.5) |
16.6 (61.9) |
18.7 (65.7) |
18.2 (64.8) |
14.9 (58.8) |
11.1 (52.0) |
6.9 (44.4) |
4.1 (39.4) |
10.7 (51.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 0.6 (33.1) |
0.5 (32.9) |
2.2 (36.0) |
4.2 (39.6) |
8.1 (46.6) |
11.2 (52.2) |
13.2 (55.8) |
12.7 (54.9) |
9.6 (49.3) |
6.9 (44.4) |
3.7 (38.7) |
1.4 (34.5) |
6.2 (43.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 75.1 (2.96) |
65.6 (2.58) |
57.3 (2.26) |
46.4 (1.83) |
61.7 (2.43) |
67.2 (2.65) |
71.8 (2.83) |
86.0 (3.39) |
61.2 (2.41) |
65.9 (2.59) |
71.8 (2.83) |
89.7 (3.53) |
819.7 (32.29) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 12.9 | 12.0 | 11.1 | 8.9 | 10.0 | 10.2 | 10.0 | 10.7 | 9.8 | 10.5 | 12.3 | 14.6 | 133 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 57 | 72 | 127 | 178 | 205 | 208 | 213 | 201 | 158 | 116 | 66 | 48 | 1,649 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 1.8 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 5.3 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.6 | 4.5 |
| Source: Royal Meteorological Institute | |||||||||||||
City Infrastructure
Wavre is home to the Wavre Transmitter. This is a large facility that broadcasts radio and TV signals. It uses a very tall steel mast for medium wave signals. This mast is the third tallest structure in Belgium. There is also a separate tower for FM radio and TV signals.
The Basse-Wavre railway station is located in Basse-Wavre. This area is a suburb to the east of the city center.
Sports in Wavre
Wavre has a football club called RJ Wavre. This team has a proud history in football. The city will also host the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
Famous People from Wavre
- Maurice Carême (1899–1978) was a well-known poet who was born in Wavre.
- Charles Michel (born 1975) is an important politician. He served as the mayor of Wavre from 2006 to 2018. He later became the President of the European Council and a former Prime Minister of Belgium.
See also
In Spanish: Wavre para niños
