Belgium, Aalst

Aalst is a city and municipality on the Dender River, 19 miles northwest from Brussels. It is located in the Flemish province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Aalst itself and the villages of Baardegem, Erembodegem, Gijzegem, Herdersem, Hofstade, Meldert, Moorsel, and Nieuwerkerken. The current mayor of Aalst is Ilse Uyttersprot, from the CD&V (Christian-Democrats) party.

History

The first historical records on Aalst date from the 9th century, when it was described as the villa Alost, a dependency of the Abbey of Lobbes. During the Middle Ages, a town and port grew at this strategic point, where the road from Bruges to Cologne crossed the Dender. In the 11th century, Aalst was transferred from the pagus of Brabant to the County of Flanders.

Industry

The textile industry is still vibrant in Aalst in part because of the French occupation. Aalst produces not only the textiles themselves but manufactures many of the needed machines. The more rural regions are noted for their production of hops which are sold to the old breweries there.

Events

Aalst is famous for its carnival festivities, celebrated every year in February. A Prince Carnaval is elected, who is allowed to "rule" the city for three days.

Sites of interest

The famous St. Martin's Collegiate Church, in Gothic style, dates back to 1480. It contains a famous painting by Rubens, "Saint Roch beseeching Christ to terminate the Plague at Aalst".

The belfry in the town hall, one of the oldest and most handsome of Flanders, contains a 52-bell carillon.

The statue of Dirk Martens (1446-1534), first bookprinter in the Netherlands.