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"Aarschot" a Aarschot Travel Page by JosM

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"Aarschot" a Aarschot Travel Page by JosM

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JosM   
To hike or not to hike, that's the question


Real Name: Jos Mertens
Lives In: Aarschot, BE
Member Since: Apr 26, 2000
VT Rank: 2020

 

Page Views: 2,474            Last Visit to Aarschot: -      I Live Here

Aarschot

by JosM - last update: Apr 1, 2008

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.
Coat of arms

Etymology (according to legend)

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.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Lovely small town - ideal place to live."
In A Nutshell:"Glad to live here."
JosM's Aarschot Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 8 - Photos: 10
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 2
 
Nightlife
Tips: 1
Off The Beaten Path
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 2
Local Customs
Tips: 5 - Photos: 12
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

JosM's Aarschot Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Home and cats- 16
Illumination- 2

Comments for JosM about Aarschot
nora_south_africa Sun Apr 13, 2008 16:41 UTC
 I really enjoy your pages, try pop in whenever I have a chance, will eventually work thru them!
unravelau Sun Jan 29, 2006 21:19 UTC
 Hello Jos, a wonderful page here, thank you. Thank you also for visiting my Woolgoolga page and for commenting so kindly. Regards, Carole.
Yaqui Tue Oct 25, 2005 20:02 UTC
 Great Page Jos! Such lovely country and history! Appreciate you sharing your country!!
easyoar Tue Mar 8, 2005 22:51 UTC
 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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