"Aarschot" Aarschot by JosM

Aarschot Travel Guide: 26 reviews and 70 photos

In short

Aarschot is situated at the borders of the river Demer, between the hills of the Hageland. Naturalists feel charmed by the river valley. The hamlets of Gelrode and Rillaar offer impressive panoramas. The forests of Langdorp (another hamlet) are an ideal natural framework for the many chapels one may see on a hike. Numerous monuments are spread over the city. Ideal for an afternoon of strolling in the city center, a daytrip for a hike in the forests or a weekend in a vivid city - my city has it all.

Nederlandstaligen die interesse hebben voor cultuur kunnen terecht op de website van het Cultureel centrum Het Gasthuis voor het programma:
CC Gasthuis.

Remember: August 15th, Illumination night: candles replace electric lightning all over the city.

The city's official website can be found at: Aarschot.

Etymology (according to legend)

Coat of arms

The Roman army had conquered the the Hageland (the Country of hedges) in the year 54 BC. Large plains stretched out in front of them: Taxandria, with in the middle the river Demer. High on the hill stood Caesar. His attention was caught by an eagle. Julius Caesar grabbed his bow, aimed, and shot. They heard a sharp cry and the eagle fell down to earth. Caesar's nephew, Aurelianus, hurried himself into the valley and picked up the dead eagle. His beak had been cut off by the arrow. Aurealianus named the place where the eagle had fallen "Bekaf" (Beak-off). He carried the eagle to Caesar and praised him with his beautiful shot. Caesar, flattered by the words of his nephew, rewarded him by having constructed a fortress: the "Aurelianustoren" (Tower of Aurelianus), which name still lives on as "Orleanstoren". Proudly he gave the place where he shot the eagle "Arendschot" (Eagle shot). Today we call this place Aarschot.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely small town - ideal place to live.
In a nutshell:Glad to live here.

Intro Updated Apr 1, 2008
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Reviews (20)

Grauwzuster (Grey nun) Things to Do (8)

The "Grauwzusters" (Grey nuns) treated the ill in Aarschot for centuries. The hospital ("Gasthuis") was closed in the... more travel advice

Carnival Local Customs (5)

Each year, on the 3rd sunday before Eastern, the Gilde der Kasseistampers (Guild of the cobble hammerers) organizes a... more travel advice

Als ik ooit eens vijf minuten tijd heb - Aarschot

If I ever find time for 5 minutes... Local Customs (5)

The statue was created by students of the Aarschot Academy of Fine Arts, supervised by Roland Rens. Well-kown in... more travel advice

Jar beer Local Customs (5)

Jan Holemans (former owner of a local drinks discount) has taken the initiative to produce some local beer brands. The... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Cafe
Transportation (2)
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Comments (15)

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nora_south_africa Apr 13, 2008 at 8:41 AM

I really enjoy your pages, try pop in whenever I have a chance, will eventually work thru them!
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unravelau Jan 29, 2006 at 1:19 PM

Hello Jos, a wonderful page here, thank you. Thank you also for visiting my Woolgoolga page and for commenting so kindly. Regards, Carole.
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Yaqui Oct 25, 2005 at 12:02 PM

Great Page Jos! Such lovely country and history! Appreciate you sharing your country!!
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easyoar Mar 8, 2005 at 2:51 PM

Very interesting page, as is that nickname 'Leopold Vindictive'. The Germans must have really hated him to give him 7 death sentences!
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imstress Jan 27, 2005 at 7:01 PM

The coat of arms to me is a great piece of beautiful art.
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echo41 Jan 10, 2005 at 2:45 PM

Molenheide: Unfortunately, Jef has emigrated to Ireland. My wife used to be a member of the Natuur.punt conservation committee, but I'ld have to ask here about who is the "conservator" these days.
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Tolik Dec 13, 2004 at 6:51 PM

Your hometown looks awesome!
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JKSmithPE Dec 4, 2004 at 7:32 AM

Great Pages! Please accept my apologies for my behavior in Belgium. As punishment for my sins, I now live in Alaska and my suffer the indignity of receiving Canadian coins from time to time.
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pepples46 Nov 29, 2004 at 7:26 PM

Jos you live in a wonderful place and you presented it beautifully, prachtig!!
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karma_kola Jun 7, 2004 at 9:16 AM

prachtig foto's en een leuk stad!