Aarschot, Municipality in Flemish Brabant, Belgium.
Aarschot is a city in Flemish Brabant comprising the main center along with three surrounding towns: Gelrode, Langdorp, and Rillaar. These distinct areas together form a single municipality serving the northeastern region near Leuven.
The city underwent German occupation in 1914 during the First World War, marked by severe consequences for local leadership. This period left a lasting impact on the community's collective memory and remains part of the region's wartime history.
The Church of Our Lady defines the townscape with its brown stone facade sourced from local quarries, giving the town a distinctive appearance. This building material has been extracted from the region for centuries and creates a recognizable visual character.
The town center around the Grote Markt offers various shops and facilities for everyday needs in a compact area. Visitors can easily find what they are looking for in this accessible and walkable section of the city.
The title of Duke of Aarschot, granted in 1533, represents the oldest non-sovereign ducal designation in Belgium and originally belonged to the House of Croÿ. This historical honor reflects the significant role the city held in European nobility.
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