| Country | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Region | Flemish Region |
| Province | East Flanders |
| Municipality | Beveren |
| Area total | 14.10 km² |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population total | 4,227 |
| Time zone | CET |
| Coordinates | 51.2192°N 4.1947°E |
Vrasene is a village in the municipality of Beveren in the Belgian province of East Flanders. It is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) west of Antwerp.[1]
History
Vrasene is located on a hill which is a remnant of an old dune stretching from Stekene to Zwijndrecht. The area around Vrasene was never a noble possession or a fief. The name probably means "settlement on the (former river) Verre". In 1136, the monastery of Salegem was founded in Vrasene and the monks started to cultivate the land. A church has been known to exist in Vrasene since 1183. In 1624, the monastery was destroyed during the religious wars. During the 18th century, Vrasene was a centre of clog production.[2][3]
In 1845, the village of Meerdonk separated from Vrasene and formed its own municipality.[2] During World War I, the polders around the village were inundated to halt the German progress. During the occupation, the village was part of the so-called Etappegebiet, a military area where 188 bunkers were constructed to guard against a British invasion or Dutch attack. In September 1918, the entire male population was held hostage in the church after a local police officer who allegedly collaborated with the Germans was murdered.[4]
Vrasene was an independent municipality until 1977 when it was merged with Beveren as part of the fusion of municipalities in Belgium.[5]
Buildings
The Holy Cross church was first mentioned in 1183. In 1448, the church was redesigned into a three aisled Gothic church. The square tower was added between 1450 and 1455. The church was extended in 1877, and declared a monument in 1942.[3][6]
Notable people
- Ruben Apers (born 1998), racing cyclist[7]
- Laura Waem (born 1997), artistic gymnast[8]
References
- ^ "Distance Vrasene, Beveren, BEL -> Antwerpen, BEL". Distance.to. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Vrasene" (in Dutch). Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Vrasene" (in Dutch). Waasland. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Vrasene" (in Dutch). Beverenbezet. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Beveren" (in Dutch). Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Parochiekerk Heilig Kruis met kerkhof" (in Dutch). Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Ruben Apers". Pro Cycling Stats. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "Laura Waem: ‘Een leuk tussendoortje’" (in Dutch). Nieuwsblad. Retrieved 8 May 2022.