Brakel

Brakel
Municipality
Michelbeke church
Flag Coat of arms
Brakel Location in Belgium
Location of Brakel in East Flanders
Coordinates: 50°48′N 03°45′E / 50.800°N 3.750°E / 50.800; 3.750Coordinates: 50°48′N 03°45′E / 50.800°N 3.750°E / 50.800; 3.750
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	East Flanders
Arrondissement	Oudenaarde
Government
• Mayor	Herman De Croo (VLD)
• Governing party/ies	VLD, sp.a
Area
• Total	56.46 km2 (21.80 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2016)
• Total	14,787
• Density	260/km2 (680/sq mi)
Postal codes	9660, 9661
Area codes	055
Website	www.brakel.be

Brakel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbraːkəl]) is a municipality in the Belgian province of East Flanders in the Denderstreek and the Flemish Ardennes. The name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo first mentioned in 866 and located in the center of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality has comprised the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added. On January 1, 2006, Brakel had a population of 13,726. The area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 243 per km². The mayor is Herman De Croo.

The region is known for the green hills and valleys, which attract cyclists and walkers and play a role in the Tour of Flanders cycling race.

The Braekel chicken is named after the town.

The Uitkijktoren, a 32 metres (105 ft) high viewing tower was opened in April 2001. It is located at 50°48′45″N 3°44′21″E / 50.8124°N 3.7391°E / 50.8124; 3.7391 on the Twaalfbunderstraat, north-west of Nederbrakel. Orientation boards at the top enable visitors to identify places of interest in all directions.