Arendonk, municipality in Antwerp, Belgium
Arendonk is a small municipality in Belgium located in Antwerp Province, northeast of Turnhout. The town features narrow streets lined with brick buildings, a central church with a tall steeple, and the working Toremansmolen windmill, which remains a notable landmark that visitors can see from many parts of town.
Arendonk gained fame before the French Revolution for its falconers who worked for European royal families. In the 19th century, the town became an industrial center, particularly known for cigar production, earning it the nickname "Belgium's cigar town", which shaped local life for decades.
Residents of Arendonk are called 'Telowerelè'er', meaning 'dish-licker', a nickname they embrace with local pride. This sense of community is visible in how neighbors gather for events and keep traditions alive, from pigeon racing to cycling culture, which remain central to daily life here.
Visitors reach Arendonk easily by car or bicycle, as roads are smooth and well-marked. Public transportation options are limited but available, so check connections in advance if you plan to rely on them.
A working windmill called Toremansmolen stands near old buildings and serves as a regionally recognized symbol of the town. Near the mill sits a former dynamite factory site that now houses a major plastic recycling company, showing how the town has transformed its industrial past while keeping ties to that heritage.
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