Beringen, Belgium

Beringen
Cityandmunicipality
St. Peter in Chains Churchon Beringen Market Square
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Beringen
Beringen Location in Belgium Location of Beringen in Limburg
Coordinates:51°02′56″N05°13′34″E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Limburg
Arrondissement	Hasselt
Government
• Mayor	Thomas Vints(CD&V) (2019-24)
• Governing party/ies	CD&V,N-VA,VOLUIT
Area
• Total	78.56 km2(30.33 sq mi)
Population (2018-01-01)
• Total	46,065
• Density	590/km2(1,500/sq mi)
Postal codes	3580, 3581, 3582, 3583
NIS code	71004
Area codes	011
Website	beringen.be

Beringen(Dutch pronunciation:[ˈbeːrɪŋə(n)];French:Béringue,French pronunciation:[beʁɛ̃ɡ];Limburgish:Berringe) is acityandmunicipalitylocated in theBelgianprovinceofLimburg.The Beringenmunicipalityincludes the town of Beringen proper and the old communes ofBeverlo,Koersel, andPaal.

History

Origins

Historical affiliations

County of Loon1120–1366
Prince-Bishopric of Liège1366–1789
Republic of Liège1789–1791
Prince-Bishopric of Liège1791–1795
French Republic1795–1804
French Empire1804–1815
Kingdom of the Netherlands1815–1830
Kingdom of Belgium1830–present

Beringen was already inhabited inCeltictimes, as proven by the 1995 archeological finds of gold coins and artifacts on its territory. These date from around 90 BC and are the most northerly late-Iron-Agegold objects found in Europe.Other finds, including of Roman coins, indicate a very early establishment.The first mention of Beringen dates to 1120 when it was known as 'Beringe', a word derived from theGermanicBeringum, which meant 'with the people of Bero'. DuringCarolingiantimes, the land of Beringen had been donated to the abbey ofCorbieinFrance.

For most of themedievalperiod, it was part of theCounty of Loon,from which it received its citycharterin 1239. The city was then protected by impressivemoatsand gated walls. The county of Loon as a whole was annexed to thePrince-Bishopric of Liègein 1366. Beringen became one of the bishopric's 23bonnes villes(principal cities) and shared its history until its dissolution in 1795.

Mining past

UnderAndré Dumont’s guidance, the first coal-bearing drill cores were obtained inCampinein 1901, leading to several coalmines being established in the region. The first production in Koersel dates from 1919. The golden age of coal production started right afterWorld War IIand lasted until the late 1950s, when cheaper energy sources were made available elsewhere. The last coal mine in Beringen closed its doors on October 28, 1989. The remaining slag heaps and mining buildings are still very obvious around the city.

Sights

Beringen coal mine

• The Beringen Mine Museum andspoil tipis one of Beringen’s main attractions and retraces the industrial history of the region. It is a former Anchor Point of ERIH, theEuropean Route of Industrial Heritage.
• TheSt. Peter in Chains Church,with its elegant spire and richBaroqueinterior.
• With its good network of biking trails, Beringen is also one of the best places in Campine for bikers.

Events

• YearlyKermessestake place both in Beringen Paal and in Koersel.
• At the beginning of August, Paal also organizes a whole-day musical event: "Paal op Stelten"
• The two-day-long "Koersel Terrast" takes place in late spring: music, dance, and fireworks are enjoyed by adults and children alike.
• A round of theEthias Crosscyclocross race series has been held on a course on part of the site of the former coal mine since the 2019—2020 season
• The 1st round of the 2024 Exact Cross, Cyclocross Trophy was held here on 8 Oct. First place was taken byFem Van Empel.

Famous past and present residents

• Lodewijk Heyligen(1304, Beringen - 1361,Avignon),Benedictinemonkand music theorist
• Henricus Calenus(1583, Beringen - 1653,Brussels), clergyman who played a role in the history ofJansenism.
• Jo Vandeurzen,politician(b. 1958)
• Ingrid Berghmans,judoka(b. 1961)
• Mauro Pawlowski,musician (b. 1971)

External links

• Official website- Available only inDutch