Arlon

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Coordinates: 49°41′N 05°49′E

  Arlon
Arlon centre and St. Martin church
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Arlon in Luxembourg province
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Waloon Region flag Walloon Region
Community French Community of Belgium flag French Community
Province Province of Luxembourg flag Luxembourg
Arrondissement Arlon
Coordinates 49°41′N 05°49′E
Area 118.64 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density		 26,367 (01/01/2006)
49.74%
50.26%
222 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 10.60% (01/01/2006)
Mean annual income 14,500 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Raymond Biren (cdH)
Governing parties cdH, PS
Other information
Postal codes 6700, 6704, 6706
Area codes 063
Web address www.arlon.be

Arlon (Dutch: Aarlen, German: Arel) is a Belgian municipality located in the Walloon province of Luxembourg, of which it is the capital.

The municipality of Arlon includes the old communes of Autelbas (Luxembourgish: Nidderälter), Autelhaut, Barnich, Bonnert (Bunnert), Clairefontaine, Fouches, Frassem, Freylange, Guirsch (Giisch), Heckbous, Heinsch (Häschel), Sampont, Sesselich, Seymerich, Sterpenich, Toernich (Täernech), Udange, Viville, Waltzing, and Weyler.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Roman and medieval times

Before the Roman conquests of Gaul, the territory of Arlon and a vast area to the south-east were settled by the Treveri, a tribe of mixed Celtic and Germanic origins. The local population adapted relatively easily to Roman culture. The number and quality of sculpted stones and monuments that have been unearthed in the area demonstrate that the vicus of Orolaunum quickly became a vibrant commercial and administrative centre of Roman civilization. The Germanic invasions of the 3rd century destroyed most of these early advances, despite the defensive walls that had been built on the Knipchen hill to protect the vicus.

During most of the Middle Ages, the earlier buildings such as the thermae were still being used by the population. In 1060, Waleran I of Limburg, Count of Arlon, built a castle on the Knipchen hill. In the 13th century, the only feminine Cistercian abbey known to date was built in Clairefontaine, and another castle was built in Autelbas.

[edit] 15th century until the French Revolution

The Duchy of Luxembourg, of which Arlon was dependent, became itself part of the Burgundian Netherlands under Philip the Good in 1441. After Charles V’s abdication of his empire to his son Philip II of Spain in 1555, a troubled period started for the whole region as continuous wars opposed France, Spain, and the Southern Netherlands. In 1588, nearly half of the city, including its castle, was destroyed by the French troops of Francis, Duke of Guise. In the 17th century, Capuchin monks built a convent on the ruins of the castle and the French strengthened the defensive walls according to Vauban’s designs. An accidental fire destroyed a large part of the city again in 1785.

St Donat church, Arlon
St Donat church, Arlon

[edit] Modern times

On June 9, 1793, the French Revolutionary troops opposed the Austrians just outside of Arlon. The French came out victorious and occupied the city. The Capuchin monks were expelled three years later, and their convent used as a hospital. After the Battle of Waterloo, Arlon’s history is folded in that of Belgium.

Arlon was one of the first victims of the German invasion in 1914 as 121 inhabitants were executed on August 26 on the orders of Colonel Richard Karl von Tessmar. Its territory was again among the first to be invaded at the onset of World War II.

[edit] Sights

St Martin church, Arlon
St Martin church, Arlon
  • Arlon is best known for holding one of the richest archeological museums in Belgium. It houses numerous examples of Roman sculpture and Merovingian funerary art.
  • A fragment of the Gallo-Roman defensive wall that was built in the 3rd century can also be seen.
  • The Gaspar Museum is worth a visit for its furniture, paintings, ceramics, and religious art.
  • The Saint-Donat church now stands on the Knipchen hill, where Waleran I of Limburg once built his castle and the Capuchin monks built their convent.

[edit] Folklore

  • The carnival of Arlon takes place at mid-Lent. It includes the traditional handing of the keys of the city to the carnival prince and a colourful parade composed of various folkloric groups.
  • The Maitrank (drink of May) is the city’s most popular refreshment. It is made of white wine in which a local flower, the asperula odorata, has macerated. Some recipes also add cognac or substitute woodruff for the asperula. The Maitrank festivities take place in the city every fourth Sunday of May.

[edit] People born in Arlon

[edit] Twin cities

[edit] External links

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Flag of Luxembourg (Belgium)
 Municipalities in the province of Luxembourg, Walloon Region, Belgium
Flag of Belgium
Arlon: Arlon | Attert | Aubange | Martelange | Messancy
Bastogne: Bastogne | Bertogne | Fauvillers | Gouvy | Houffalize | Sainte-Ode | Vaux-sur-Sûre | Vielsalm
Marche-en-Famenne: Durbuy | Erezée | Hotton | La Roche-en-Ardenne | Manhay | Marche-en-Famenne | Nassogne | Rendeux | Tenneville
Neufchâteau: Bertrix | Bouillon | Daverdisse | Herbeumont | Léglise | Libin | Libramont-Chevigny | Neufchâteau | Paliseul | Saint-Hubert | Tellin | Wellin
Virton: Chiny | Étalle | Florenville | Habay | Meix-devant-Virton | Musson | Rouvroy | Saint-Léger | Tintigny | Virton
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