Arlon

Arlon is a city and municipality in Wallonia, Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Luxembourg, which makes it an important place in the country. Even though it is the smallest provincial capital in Belgium, with just over 28,000 people, Arlon is special as the capital of its cultural region called Arelerland.

The city of Arlon includes several smaller areas known as sub-municipalities. These are Arlon itself, as well as Autelbas, Bonnert, Guirsch, Heinsch, and Toernich. There are also many other small communities around Arlon, such as Autelhaut, Clairefontaine, and Fouches, each adding to the area's character and life.

History

Before the Romans came, a Celtic tribe called the Treveri lived near Arlon. They learned from the Romans, and Arlon became an important place for trade and government. But in the 3rd century, attacks by German tribes damaged much of the city.

During the Middle Ages, people used old buildings, and in 1060, a castle was built on a hill. Later, Arlon became part of Luxembourg. In the 1500s, wars between France, Spain, and the Netherlands caused problems, and French soldiers destroyed much of the city. Fires and battles kept affecting Arlon for many years.

In 1815, after Napoleon’s defeat, Arlon became part of Belgium. During both World War I and World War II, Arlon was one of the first places invaded by German forces. Today, Arlon is near the border with Luxembourg and has grown with new homes and businesses. Many people travel across the border each day for work, and Arlon is a stop for trains between Brussels and Luxembourg City.

Sights

Arlon is known for its interesting archaeological museum. It has many old Roman sculptures and examples of Merovingian art. You can also see a piece of an old Gallo-Roman wall that was built over 1,700 years ago.

The Gaspar Museum shows works by artists Jean-Marie and Charles Gaspar, along with other local art. It includes a beautiful altarpiece from the 1500s. Saint Donat's church is on a hill where an old castle once stood. The city's cemetery has one of the largest sections for Jewish history in the Walloon region.

Local customs

The carnival in Arlon happens in the middle of Lent. During the carnival, people give the city keys to the carnival prince. There is a colorful parade with many folk dance groups.

A popular drink in Arlon is called Maitrank, which means "drink of May" in German. It is made with white wine and a local flower called Asperula. Some people also add cognac or use another flower called woodruff. Every fourth Sunday in May, the city celebrates with Maitrank festivities.

Asperula woodruff

Climate

Arlon has a temperate climate, like much of Belgium. The weather changes with the seasons, with mild summers and cool winters, making it a pleasant place to live.

Demography

Arlon is the biggest town in the province of Luxembourg. More people live there than in Marche-en-Famenne or Aubange. But Luxembourg is the smallest province in Belgium by population. As of December 31, 2019, Arlon had 30,047 people living there.

Transport

The nearest airport to Arlon is Luxembourg Airport, located about 47 kilometers southeast in Luxembourg. Other major airports nearby include Charleroi Airport, about 161 kilometers northwest, and Brussels Airport, about 190 kilometers northwest. These are good choices for traveling to and from the area.

Politics

Here is a list of mayors of Arlon:

• Pierre Hollenfeltz
• 1880–1901: Joseph Netzer
• 1901–1921: Numa Ensch-Tesch
• 1921–1949: Paul Reuter
• 1949–1958: Jules Massonnet
• 1958–1976: Charles Simon
• 1977–1988: Jean Goffinet
• 1989–1992: Guy Larcier
• 1993–1994: Jean Goffinet
• 1995–2006: Guy Larcier
• 2007–2012: Raymond Biren
• 2013–...: Vincent Magnus

People born in Arlon

Arlon has been the birthplace of many interesting people. Some well-known people from Arlon include Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée, a general, and Godefroid Kurth, a historian. Other famous people from Arlon are Jean-Marie Gaspar, a sculptor, and Benoît Lamy, a film director. The city has also seen the birth of athletes like swimmer Ingrid Lempereur, and footballers Anthony Moris, Timothy Castagne, and Norman Bassette. Additionally, Jeroen van Busleyden, a humanist, was born in Arlon.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Belgium

Twin towns — sister cities

Arlon has friendly connections with several cities around the world. These include:

• Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France since 1962
• Diekirch, Luxembourg
• Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany since 1965
• Sulphur, Louisiana, United States
• Hayange, France
• Alba, Italy since 1 March 2004
• Market Drayton, England, UK