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Nivelles




Europe is one of the five inhabited traditional continents of the Earth. Europe is the world's second-smallest continent in terms of area and third-largest continent after Asia and Africa in population. Nivelles is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant. The Nivelles municipality includes the old communes of Baulers, Bornival, Thines and Monstreux. The Nivelles district includes all the municipalities in Walloon Brabant. Its area is 60.60 square kilometers with a population of 24,290 in 2006. In the 13th century, the city that grew around the church became part of the Duchy of Brabant. The population was mostly made up of artisans and guild members, who did not hesitate to fight the abbesses and the dukes to obtain their rights. These rights were finally granted by Joanna, Duchess of Brabant in the 14th century.
 
In 1647, an important uprising by the thread manufacturers resulted in many of the city’s entrepreneurs leaving for France, leading to the city’s economic decline. The wars of the 17th century between France and the Spanish Netherlands made the situation worse as Nivelles went through successive sieges and military occupations. The Austrian and French regimes of the 18th century brought religious and administrative reforms to the city. In 1830, Nivelles was one of the first cities to send patriotic troops to Brussels to fight in the Belgian Revolution. The following years were marked by the growth of heavy industry, including metallurgy and railway construction. World War I brought some damages to the city. World War II, however, was a lot worse. On May 14, 1940, the entire city centre was destroyed, leaving only the walls of the collegiate church standing. The rebuilding of the church was completed in 1984, a year that marked a new beginning for Nivelles and its inhabitants. In 1972 and 1974, the Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1 was hosted at the circuit Nivelles-Baulers. Emerson Fittipaldi won the race both times.

Today, the circuit has been reconverted into an industrial zone. As it is often regarded as among the most beautiful parts of Europe, it is one of the most visited places amongst the most die-hard travelers the world over. Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and gain enthusiasm in its natural beauty and populace. Nivelles enjoys a very positive reputation with worldwide travelers.

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