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. Despite being the smallest provincial capital in Belgium, with just over 28,000 people, Arlon holds special meaning 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 in the area around Arlon. They adapted well to Roman ways, and Arlon became an important place for trade and government. Sadly, attacks by German tribes in the 3rd century damaged much of this early work.

During the Middle Ages, people used older buildings, and in 1060, a castle was built on a hill in the town. Later, Arlon became part of Luxembourg. In the 1500s, wars between France, Spain, and the Netherlands caused trouble, and much of the city was destroyed by French soldiers. Fires and battles continued to affect Arlon over the next centuries.

In 1815, after Napoleon’s defeat, Arlon became part of Belgium. During both World War I and World War II, Arlon was among the first places invaded by German forces. Today, Arlon is close to 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 traveling between Brussels and Luxembourg City.

Sights

Arlon is famous for its rich archaeological museum, which contains many Roman sculptures and examples of old 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, including a beautiful altarpiece from the 1500s. Saint Donat's church sits on a hill where an old castle once stood. The city's cemetery also 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, and 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 experiences a temperate climate, typical of the region in Belgium. The weather changes throughout the year, with mild summers and cool winters, making it a comfortable place to live.

Demography

Arlon is the largest town in the province of Luxembourg, with more people living there than in Marche-en-Famenne or Aubange. However, it is the smallest province in all of Belgium in terms of 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, which 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 throughout history. Some well-known individuals include Johann Kaspar Basselet von La Rosée, a Bavarian general, and Godefroid Kurth, a historian. Other notable 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