Affligem

Affligem (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɑfliɣɛm] ^ⓘ; anciently written Afflighem) is a municipality located some 20 km (12 mi) west-north-west of Brussels in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, not far from the city of Aalst and the important railway junction of Denderleeuw. Affligem is situated in the Pajottenland.

Affligem
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Affligem
Affligem Location in Belgium Affligem in the Province of Flemish Brabant
Coordinates: 50°54′N 04°06′E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Flemish Brabant
Arrondissement	Halle-Vilvoorde
Government
• Mayor	Walter De Donder (CD&V)
• Governing party/ies	Lijst Burgemeester (CD&V), Open2040
Area
• Total	17.92 km2 (6.92 sq mi)
Population  (2018-01-01)[1]
• Total	13,225
• Density	740/km2 (1,900/sq mi)
Postal codes	1790
NIS code	23105
Area codes	053 - 02
Website	www.affligem.be

The municipality comprises the villages of Essene, Hekelgem and Teralfene (note that there is no village called Affligem proper). On 1 January 2006 it had 11,956 inhabitants. The total area is 17.70 km² (7 sq mi), giving a population density of 676 inhabitants per km².

Monuments

Historically, the village is best known for the Benedictine Affligem Abbey, founded in 1062.

Other monuments include St Michael's church, Hekelgem.

Affligem Abbey beers

Further information: Affligem Brewery

Affligem Abbey was founded around 1074, making it one of the oldest breweries and businesses in Belgium.^[2] The label "anno 1074" on the Affligem beer bottles is based on the abbey's founding. The brand name is used under license from the monks of Affligem, by the Op-Ale brewery in the neighbouring village of Opwijk. The brewery is now owned by Heineken International, who have renamed it the Affligem brewery and market the beers internationally.