"Aarschot" a Aarschot Travel Page by JosM

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.

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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.