Bree

Bree
	Bree
	Bree
State :	Belgium
Region :	Flanders
Province :	Limburg
District :	Maaseik
Coordinates :	51 ° 8 ′ N , 5 ° 36 ′ E Coordinates: 51 ° 8 ′ N , 5 ° 36 ′ E
Area :	64.96 km²
Residents:	16,085 (Jan. 1, 2019)
Population density:	248 inhabitants per km²
Post Code:	3960
Prefix:	089
Mayor:	Liesbeth Van der Auwera ( CD&V )
; Local government address :	Administrative services ; Vrijthof 10 ; 3960 Bree
Website:	www.bree.be

Bree is a city in the Flanders region of Belgium. It is located in the northeast of the Limburg province , Maaseik administrative district .

history

Bree was one of the 23 "good cities" ( bonnes villes / Goede Steden ) of the Principality of Liège . It received its town charter in 1386 from the Duchy of Liège. The city used to be completely walled and surrounded by a moat seven meters wide. Partially restored defense towers still refer to its medieval past.

The city was unsuccessfully attacked by 6,000 Spaniards in 1604. The Croatians also made a futile attack. The Prince of Nassau had to come back twice before he could move to the city. Many old buildings have disappeared due to several fires that ravaged the city (1601, 1616, 1697 and 1699).