Binche

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Municipal flag Binche
Binche, the old city and its surrounding wall
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Binche in Hainaut
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Wallonia Wallonia
Community Flag of Wallonia French Community
Province Flag of Hainaut (province) Hainaut
Arrondissement Thuin
Coordinates 50°24′N 04°10′E / 50.4, 4.167Coordinates: 50°24′N 04°10′E / 50.4, 4.167
Area 60.66 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density		 32,409 (January 1, 2006)
47.66%
52.34%
534 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 22.14% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 11,065 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Laurent Devin (PS)
Governing parties PS, MR, independent
Other information
Postal codes 7130, 7131, 7133, 7134
Area codes 064
Web address www.binche.be

Binche is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006 Binche had a total population of 32,409. The total area is 60.66 km² which gives a population density of 534 inhabitants per km². Since 1977, the municipality of Binche has gathered the town of Binche itself with seven old municipalities : Bray, Buvrinnes, Epinois, Leval-Trahegnies, Péronnes-lez-Binche, Ressaix et Waudrez.

In 2003, the Carnival of Binche was proclaimed one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The motto of the city is "Plus Oultre" (meaning "Further" in Old French), which was the motto of Charles V, who in 1545 gave the medieval castle of Binche to his sister Maria of Hungary, Queen-governess of the Spanish Netherlands. She lavished attention on Binche, which she had rebuilt under the direction of an architect-sculptor Jacques du Broeucq, remembered today as the first master of Giambologna. The château, intended to rival Fontainebleau, was destroyed by the soldiers of Henri II in 1554.

PLVS OVLTRE, Element of fireworks with Collegiale St Ursmer in background.
PLVS OVLTRE, Element of fireworks with Collegiale St Ursmer in background.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links (in French)

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Municipalities in the Province of Hainaut, Wallonia, Belgium
Ath
Charleroi
Mons
Mouscron
Soignies
Thuin
Tournai