Niel, Belgium

Municipality in Flemish Community, Belgium

Flag

Coat of arms

Location of Niel

Niel

Location in Belgium

Location of Niel in the province of Antwerp

Coordinates: 51°07′N 04°20′E / 51.117°N 4.333°E / 51.117; 4.333Country

BelgiumCommunityFlemish CommunityRegionFlemish RegionProvinceAntwerpArrondissementAntwerpGovernment

• MayorTom De Vries (Open VLD) • Governing party/iesN-VA, Open VldArea

• Total5.35 km² (2.07 sq mi)Population

(2020-01-01)^[1]

• Total10,546 • Density2,000/km² (5,100/sq mi)Postal codes

2845

NIS code

11030

Area codes03Websitewww.niel.be

Niel (Dutch pronunciation: [nil] ^ⓘ) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality only comprises the town of Niel proper. In 2021, Niel had a total population of 10,493. The total area is 5.27 km².^[2]

History

Niel used to belong to the Lordship of Mechelen. In 1462, it became part of the Duchy of Brabant. Niel became an independent parish in the 14th century. During most of its history, it was an agricultural community along the Rupel river. In the 19th century, Niel became an industrial town with brickworks, cement factories and shoe factories.^[3]

Sports

Niel is home to the Niel Jaarmarkt Cyclo-cross, a cyclo-cross race held in and around the town. The race forms part of the X²O Badkamers Trophy.

Notable people

Jan Decleir, actor, leading actor in the Academy Award winner Karakter was born in Niel.

Gallery

Town hall
House in Niel
Our Lady Church in Niel
St Josef Church in Hellegat

References

^ "Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2020". Statbel.
^ "Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 12030D". Statistics Belgium. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
^ "Niel". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 11 May 2022.