Flémalle
Flémalle
| |
|---|---|
Location of Flémalle | |
| Coordinates: 50°36′N 05°28′E / 50.600°N 5.467°E | |
| Country | Belgium |
| Community | French Community |
| Region | Wallonia |
| Province | Liège |
| Arrondissement | Liège |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Sophie Thémont (PS) |
| • Governing party/ies | PS |
| Area | |
• Total | 36.57 km2 (14.12 sq mi) |
| Population (2018-01-01) | |
• Total | 26,174 |
| • Density | 720/km2 (1,900/sq mi) |
| Postal codes | 4400 |
| NIS code | 62120 |
| Area codes | 04 |
| Website | www.flemalle.be |
Flémalle (French: [flemal] ⓘ; Walloon: Flémåle) is a municipality of Wallonia within the Liège Province in Belgium.
As of 2024, it has a population of 27,002, and together with the municipalities of Liège, Seraing, Herstal, Saint-Nicolas, and Ans, forms the Liège metropolitan area, with a total population of 381,340. Flémalle's geographical location, between valleys, Hesbaye, and Condroz, as well as between countryside and urban areas, offers a mix of nature, as seen in the locality of Gleixhe, and urban environments like its center or the suburb of Les Trixhes.
Despite its steep terrain, the municipality must address the increasing population in the metropolitan area; it is located near Seraing, highways, the Meuse, and the Liège Airport. To address this, the municipality has launched several large-scale projects, such as the construction of a brand-new neighborhood, Flémalle-Neuve, which is expected to be completed in a few years.
Historically, the municipality has witnessed the birth and advancement of paleontology and prehistoric studies thanks to Dr. Philippe-Charles Schmerling. A Roman diploma was also discovered in the area. During the Middle Ages, the municipality experienced economic prosperity due to the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, particularly in the village of Chokier, where a tsar, Peter the Great, and several generals from various empires stayed. During both World Wars, it played a crucial role in the defense of Liège with its fort.
André Cools is a historical figure in Flémalle's politics, but his influence extended beyond the municipality. He served as Minister of the Budget, Vice Prime Minister, President of the PSB, the PS, and the Walloon Parliament, before being assassinated in 1991.
Sports are also a significant source of recognition for the municipality, with several prominent athletes from the region and the country having connections to Flémalle. Notably, two kickboxing world championships have been held in the municipality. In team sports, ROC Flémalle is one of the top handball clubs in the country, with three Belgian Cups and eleven national titles.