Overijse
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Overijse |
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| Geography | ||
| Country | .svg/27px-Flag_of_Belgium_(civil).svg.png){kind=small} Belgium |
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| Region |  Flemish Region |
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| Community | Flemish Community |
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| Province |  Flemish Brabant |
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| Arrondissement | Halle-Vilvoorde | |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: | |
| Area | 44.43 km² | |
| Population (Source: NIS) | ||
| Population – Males – Females - Density |
24,067 (January 1, 2006) 48.67% 51.33% 542 inhab./km² |
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| Economy | ||
| Unemployment rate | 5.74% (January 1, 2006) | |
| Mean annual income | 15,172 €/pers. (2003) | |
| Government | ||
| Mayor | Dirk Brankaer (OV 2002) | |
| Governing parties | OV 2002-CD&V-N-VA, VLDVLD, | |
| Other information | ||
| Postal codes | 3090 | |
| Area codes | 02, 016 | |
| Web address | www.overijse.be | |
Overijse is a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, in Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium. The municipality comprises the town of Overijse, and the communities of Eizer, Maleizen, Jezus-Eik, Tombeek and Terlanen. On January 1, 2006 Overijse had a total population of 24,067. The total area is 44.43 km² which gives a population density of 542 inhabitants per km². Overijse is surrounded by an extensive woodlands (Zoniënwoud/Forêt de Soignes), with walk- and bicycle paths.
The community is home to a huge numbers of expatriates, and it is considered as a very attractive area to live in.
The official language is Dutch (as everywhere in Flanders). Local minorities consist of nationals from many European Union-countries, the USA and Canada, and of French-speaking residents that migrated mainly from Wallonia or Brussels.
Near Overijse there is a medium wave transmitter for the Belgian foreign radio service. Overijse has a traditional festival every year, held in August (Druivenfeesten). The festival commemorates the industry that shaped the area, namely cultivation of grapes (Dutch druiven). In 2006 it will be held in from August 19-27.
More recently, in 1952, Albert Lootvoet, a local brewer started brewing the now world-famous Leffe beer according to its original recipe. The Leffe beers have been brewed in Overijse from 1952 until 1977, when the Artois breweries bought out the local brewer.
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[edit] History of Overijse
Overijse draws its name from the nearby river, the Ijse, that flows through the region. The oldest known name is Isca; the word is likely Celtic in origin, and translated means 'Water'. Overijse was the birthplace of the celebrated 16th century humanist Justus Lipsius. He was a professor at Leuven and was friends with the famous book printer and publisher Plantin.
[edit] Sightseeing
Overijse has several sights that sum up its history:
- The Late Gothic Sint Martinus Church with ship (1489), the choir (1520), and quasi Romanesque towers from the (12th century).
- Castle of the IJse (17th century) with a (16th century) facade and a 15th century hunting pavillion; against the castle walls Kellebron from the 13th century.
- Townhouse (1503-1505), restored in 1963.
- By the beguinage (1264) a 15th century Gothic castle.
- In the village Tombeek, the (16th century) castle Bisdom with 12th century towers.
- Also, Tombeek has the Sanatorium Joseph Lemaire (1937), a modern building from architect Maxime Brunfaut.
- In the village Jezus-Eik is the Baroque Onze Lieve Vrouwenkerk (Our Beloved Lady Church) with a choir from (1650) and a ship from 1667, restored in 2007.
[edit] Old Pictures of the Town
 The town center. |
 De Heuvelstraat |
 De Stationstraat |
[edit] Afbeeldingen
 Town House |
 Church |
 Processiestraat (Name of street) |
 Central Bus Station |
 School |
 Central Bus Station |
[edit] English-Language Controversy in Overijse
On March 5, 2008, French-language media in Belgium (RTL-TVi) reported that the town administrators of Overijse formally admonished a local resident for using English as part of the promotional materials to sell his property.[1]
Translated from Dutch to French for the article, the letter acknowledged that the "For Sale" signs were also written in English in addition to Dutch.
"Because this town is part of the Flemish region and does not have facilities for speakers of another languages, it is important that you exclusively use Dutch in your communications. You will thus be pleasant to your Dutch-speaking clients and you will give your clients who speak other languages the opportunity to practice our language.
The "College van Burgemeester en Schepenen" (Mayor and Aldermen) give particular attention to the Dutch character of Overijse. Within our framework of life, it is essential that everyone respects this characteristic of the region. We hope, therefore, that in the future, your business will contribute in a positive fashion towards the preservation of the Flemish character of this town. We would like to know that you think about this problem and we thank you in advance for a rapid response."
[edit] External links
- Official website - Only available in Dutch
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