Welcome to Belgian Lorraine

ArlonCity walk

Province of luxembourg 1 Arlon is... the administrative centre of the province of Luxembourg, with 2,000 years of history. One of the three oldest cities in Belgium.

ArlThis brochure presents two routeso along whichn you can explore the city past and present: one short – Heart of the city (± 1h30) – through the historic centre and one long – The suburbs (± 2h) – to explore sites which, in their time, were at the very heart of life in Arlon.

The map on the centre pages indicates the Art Nouveau elements and the path followed by the Roman ramparts . Listed monuments are indicated throughout the brochure.

Extend your visit to the remains of the past by examining the museum collections.

At the end of the brochure, you will find the sites and monuments worth seeing in the area around the city and in the villages.

Other discovery circuits are available. You can also explore Arlon in the company of a guide, upon reservation at the Arlon Royal Tourist Office.

Need more information? Arlon Royal Tourist Office Rue des Faubourgs, 2 ― 6700 Arlon +32(0)63 21 63 60 ― [email protected] We’ll be Arlontourisme pleased to help you! 2 Start 1 Arlon Royal Tourist Office Former “Hôtel du Nord” The hotel was at one time a coaching inn and one of the best hotels in Arlon. It was here, in 1886, that the celebrated violinist Eugène Ysaye celebrated his marriage to Louise Bourdau. The “Hôtel du Nord” was built on the remains of a bastion (fortified building) and on part of the third city wall which had been rebuilt by the French at the end of the 17th century. As you leave the courtyard, take a look at the building on the corner of “Rue Marché aux Légumes” and “Rue des Faubourgs”. 2 The sgraffiti The main features of this retail building erected in 1898 by the architect Groothaert are the rich, sculpted decoration and the sgraffiti that adorn the tympanums of the windows on the ground floor. The drawings tell a story about fabulous creatures in the tradition of symbolism. As well as the sgraffiti, the Art Nouveau style is reflected in the use of ironwork at the entrance and the typical whiplash design on the stone.

Follow “Rue Marché aux Légumes” , cross “Place Hollenfeltz” and “Place Didier” , walk along “Rue de Diekirch” to the right and just before the cinema you will find an inner city garden. Enter through the porch. 3 The Atrium Here you will find an interactive model reproducing the various ramparts in Arlon and the city’s main monuments, the major periods in the history of our city and a great deal of information that will be useful for your stay in Arlon. The name of the garden evokes our city’s Roman past. This is intended as a place of friendly welcome, like the atrium, the central room in Roman houses. The garden is open every day from 7 am to 8 pm.

3 Retrace your steps and as you come out, turn right along “Rue de Diekirch” . At the traffic lights, turn right and go down “Rue des Faubourgs” as far as “Square Astrid” . “L’appel de la forêt” or 4 “Cerf Bramant” (sculpture by Jean Gaspar) It was a nocturnal visit to the Ardennes forest in 1899 that was the source of inspiration for this sculpture by Jean-Marie Gaspar; originally modeled in plaster, it was cast in bronze in 1913 and has been gracing Astrid Square since 1936. Jean-Marie Gaspar was born in Arlon in 1861 and died in Brussels in 1931. At the age of 18 he began working in the studio of sculptor Jef Lambeaux. He showed works in a number of exhibitions, including the Paris “Exposition Universelle” (1889) where he was awarded an exposition medal for his work. Opposite the “Cerf Bramant” stands the courthouse, inaugurated in 1993 and expanded in 2003. Next to the building is a monument in honor of General Patton.

Go back up “Rue des Faubourgs” as far as the traffic lights and turn right into “Rue des Martyrs” . On your right 5 The Archaeological Museum The collections of the Archaeological Museum are testament to the rich history of the region and, especially, its significant place in Gallo- Roman civilisation. The museum “lapidary” galleries are considered to be amongst the most important in Europe: these bas-reliefs, along with the collection of handicraft and everyday objects (pottery, glass, tools, arms, jewellery, ...) serve to give a detailed image of how life was lived by the peoples of the region during the first 3 centuries of our era. At this time, what is now the city of Arlon was called “Orolaunum vicus” and was part of an administrative unit governed from the city of “Civitas Treverorum” (modern day Trier) in the province of Belgian 4 Gaul. Amongst the bas-reliefs in the museum are some which are unique and which contribute significantly to our understanding of the Roman civilisation: this is especially the case with the sculpted fragment picturing the “Roman harvesting machine”. This Gallic invention was adopted by the Romans. Other bas-reliefs, such as “The Voyagers”, are simply examples of fine craftsmanship reflecting great aesthetic qualities. There is also a large area for temporary exhibitions.

Tel.: +32 (0)63 21 28 49 ― [email protected] www.museearcheoarlon.be Open from Tuesday to Saterday: 9.00-12.00 and 13.00-17.30. Every first Sundays of each month and every Sundays from april to september and on public holidays: 13.30-17.30. The museum is closed on Mondays, 1/1, 1/11, 2/11 (morning), 11/11 and during the Christmas holidays.

6 The Gaspar Museum On your left The Gaspar Museum takes its name from a distinguished Arlon family who took up residence in this house at the end of the 19th century. The house itself was built in 1842. The two principal family members, withregard to the museum, are Jean-Marie Gaspar (1861-1931), sculptor, and Charles Gaspar (1871-1950), photographer, collector, and patron of the arts. It was Charles who bequeathed the house, as well as his art collection, to the City of Arlon provided that the city would create a museum in the house to display the sculptures of his brother along with a section displaying Charles’s private collection of the “historical heritage of Arlon”. In addition to the permanent collection in the Gaspar salons, the museum regularly organises temporary exhibitions about the Art and History of the Region. Whilst, in a room downstairs, a selection of Religious Art is displayed: the most notable of which is the famous Fisenne Retable (Fisenne Altarpiece) - amasterpiece dating from ± 1510. Tél.: +32 (0)63 60 06 54 [email protected] ― www.museegaspar.be Open from Tuesday to Saterday: 9.30-12.30 and 13.30-17.30. Every first Sundays of each month and every Sundays from april to september and on public holidays: 13.30-17.30. The museum is closed on Mondays, 1/1, 1/11, 11/11, and 25/12. 5 Cross the “Parc Gaspar” with its remarkable trees, the perfect place for relaxation and archaeological discovery. As you come out of the park, turn right. 6 Exceptional 7 The Saint-Martin’s Church heritage This is the third church in Arlon to bear this name: it was built by public funds and subscriptions. The first church was built in the 8th century outside the city walls. It was destroyed in the 16th century. The place of worship was transferred, in 1558, to a church in the centre of Arlon. The building of the present church is said to result from the desire of King Leopold to have significant buildings marking the two extremities of the country; but is that of the inhabitants of Arlon to have a church worthy of the status of their city as the administrative capital of the province of Luxembourg. It was built between 1907 and 1914 using local stone from the Lorraine and based on the 13th Gothic rayonnant ogival style. The combined height of the tower and steeple is 97 metres. It was consecrated in 1937 and became a listed building in 2002.

In front of the church The statue of King Albert I (sculpture by Victor Demanet)

Here you have the choice: you can continue your , or you can take – Heart of the city – walk by following the directions below – route er the – Suburbs described on page 17. Then walk alongside the park “Square Albert I ” and take around the Provincial Palace as far as ” to get to “Place Léopold” . On the right of the square “Rue du 25 août 8 The “Palais Provincial” It was in 1839 that Arlon was finally designated as the administrative capital of the province of Luxembourg. In 1844 the architect A. Jamot was commissioned by the City to create a complete new quarter around the future “Place Leopold”. The “Palais Provincial” was inaugurated in 1849. Further work was carried-out following fires in 1905 and 1917. Since 1947 various internal renovations and alterations, along with the construction of an extension in 1974, have seen to it that the building remains appropriate to its purpose of housing the provincial administration of Arlon. The Palais Provincial and its surroundings were listed in 1981. 7 9 The “Palais” (former law courts) On the left Situated on the north side of the “Place Leopold”, you will see the Old Law Courts. These were constructed between 1864 and 1866 to a design also by architect Jamot and based upon 15th century gothic style both externally and internally. The arms of the Province are emblazoned on the tympanum, whilst those of the ten towns of the Province are also represented (from left to right they are La Roche, Bouillon, Houffalize, Virton, Neufchâteau, Arlon, Marche, Bastogne, Saint-Hubert and Chiny). In 2003, the judicial services were transferred to the new Law Courts at Place Schalbert. This has become an exhibition centre which welcomes numerous events. www.palaisarlon.be

Cross the square towards 10the tankThe Liberty Road milestone In the aftermath of the Second World War, the idea of a Liberty Road was born to commemorate the historic journey taken by General Patton’s 3rd Army. In 54 days, they were to liberate northern France before confronting the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge. The 1,152 km route links Normandy to Bastogne. The Arlon milestone was inaugurated on 18 September 1947. The American Memorial. This memorial was inaugurated on 24 September 1984 to commemorate the liberation of Arlon by the American 28th Division. The centrepiece is an M10 tank destroyer derived from the famous Sherman tank. Take “Rue de la Poste” and then turn left into “Rue Etienne Lenoir” which leads to the pedestrian11 shoppingThe Roman district: Column the “Grand-Rue”. (Grand-Rue) In 1972, a company carrying out work in the sewers uncovered a large fragment of a religious monument erected to the glory of Jupiter, a heavenly god, protector of families and their property. This fragment is usually associated with a capital depicting a horseman killing a monster that is half human, half serpent. This type of monument 8 is inspired by a model created in Mainz in honour of Nero. It is presumed to have an octagonal base dedicated to the gods of the week. This column is a reproduction made of copies, erected in the early 1990s to evoke the city’s Gallo-Roman past.

Continue along the “Grand-Rue” to the right. 12 The Town Hall (l’Hôtel de Ville) This building was constructed between 1842 and 1843, again to a design by the architect Jamot, to house the “Athénée Royal” (public secondary school) of Arlon. In later years (from 1884) it served to house the boarders (pupils who stay at school during the week or the whole term). Over the years the building had a number of internal improvements and changes but in 1918, following heavy bombardment, the whole of the right hand wing was destroyed. Restoration took a number of years. From 1967 the immediate surroundings of the city hall were improved with some buildings being cleared. Then, in 1976, with the merging of outlying administrations with that of Arlon itself, enlargement of the city hall building became necessary. “Rue Paul Reuter” itself is named in commemoration of a Mayor of Arlon who, during both world wars, staunchly resisted the invaders.

In front of the Town Hall standsLe Jass proudly (a sculpture by Jean Gaspar) The work, created in 1919, pays tribute to the dead of the Great War. Retrace your steps and go up “Rue des Carmes”. On the car park, behind13 the woodenThe Roman fence (pressTower theJupiter switch) Arlon can rightly claim to be amongst the oldest cities of Belgium. Its situation derives from a location at the intersection of two major Roman roads: the road from Metz to Tongeren and the road from Reims to Trier. This “crossroad position” was the reason for the economic development of Arlon and for why the locality grew prosperous during the first 3 centuries of our era. Much archaeological evidence provides us with an insight into this 9 rich period of development. The settlement stretched over a large zone on both sides of the river Semois as well as on the southern slope of the hill. At the end of the later Roman Empire (end of 3rd to beginning of 4th century), Gaul was invaded by Germanic tribes. The Romans reacted to this with a vast building campaign of fortifications around the main settlements. In Arlon, the Roman army decided to limit the fortification to the hilltop, rather than the vicus situated in the Semois valley. This castrum served as a refuge from the attacks.

The fortifying walls were built with materials found in destroyed cemeteries and civil monuments that were dismantled. These huge sandstone blocks were used in the foundations of the wall. This is the reason why so many sculpted fragments of funerary and civil monuments have survived until now. Most of these Gallo-Roman stones were found during building works in cellars or during the construction of new buildings in the immediate surroundings of the old Roman wall. Visit accompanied by a guide, upon reservation at the Tourist Office. Retrace your steps. At the beginning of “Rue du Marquisat” on your right 14 The “Montée Royale” These steps were built in the 17th century by a Spanish Engineer. Originally the “Montée Royale” consisted of seven platforms, each separated by three steps. On each platform there was a tree and a Station of the Cross. Following occupation of the city by the troops of Louis XIV, the steps required reconstruction (1735). The “Royal Way of the Cross” had nine stations. Following a further collapse in 1830, another new set of steps was constructed. It was composed of several terraces, supported by arcades, and with 14 identical stone crosses. It became a listed heritage site in 1992. 10 These steps give access to 15 The Saint Donatus’ Church Waléran, the first Count of Arlon, built a fortified chateau at the top of the town during the 11th century. Along with the town ramparts, this was completely destroyed in 1558 when Arlon was pillaged by the troops of the Duc de Guise. When the Capuchin monks arrived in Arlon in 1621, they built their abbey on the ruins of the castle. In 1681 a Vauban-type fortified wall was built transforming the abbey into a citadel. After being the victim of a lightning strike in 1719, it was decided to dedicate the church to Saint Donat. The old religious foundation of the Capuchins was finally abandoned in 1796 - Only the church survived and was then restored and renovated during the 20th century. Go past the church, admire the panoramic view and on your right 16 The “Belvédère” In the late 19th century, St Donatus’ Church underwent a total renovation and was considerably extended by the addition of two lateral naves and a porch. Between 1905 and 1907, the Capucins’ bell turret was replaced by a belvedere offering a superb panoramic view of the area around Arlon and the three neighbouring countries in fine weather. The Belvedere has become a symbol of Arlon as a tourist city. Open from 1/5 to 15/9 at weekends and on public holidays, open daily in july and august; on the first Sunday in the month when the flea market is held (March, April, October and November). From 2 pm to 6 pm. Outside these times, upon reservation at the Tourist Office, accompanied by a guide. Tél.: +32 (0)63 21 63 60 ― [email protected] www.facebook.com/belvederearlon/ Walk beneath the hedges 17 The “charmilles de Cornouillers” According to tradition this bower of cornel trees is more than 350 years old. In the past it provided a “green cloister” for the Capuchin monks.

11 30 27 Edifices bearing “Art Nouveau” elements • Avenue de la Gare n° 29 Listed façade • Avenue de la Gare n° 31 Polychromy of the façade, stained-glass window, polychrome ceramics • Avenue de la Gare n° 1 Rounded façade, white glazed bricks, old sculpted wooden frames • Marché-aux-Légumes n° 1 Sgraffiti, whiplash lines • Grand-Rue n° 52-54 (old pharmacy) Shape of the bays and decoration • Grand-Rue n° 60 Balcony Hankar 4 • Rue de la Porte Neuve n° 40 Enamelled brick façade, frieze with geometric designs, small columns • Rue Molitor n° 1 (restaurant Trulli) “Art Nouveau” inscriptions on the polychrome ceramics • Rue Godefroid Kurth n° 53 Shape of the bays on the ground floor and 5 stained-glass windows • Rue Godefroid Kurth n° 85/69/71 1 “Art Nouveau” style designs on ceramics 6 • Rue Francq n° 22 9 “Art Nouveau” decoration • Avenue Nothomb n° 52-54 Sgraffiti decoration 8 7

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31 13 The “Belvédère” is also open during night visits, events, etc. Read all the news on www.facebook.com/belvederearlon

14 Before you go down,The gateway take a look to theat ancient abbey 18 of Clairefontaine The Cistercian Abbey of Clairefontaine was destroyed during the French Revolution. This former abbey gateway was brought to this location in 1911. It is said to date from 1700. After the abbey was destroyed, the gateway was first placed, in 1818, at the Church of Habergy: this was the result of the inhabitants of that village having gone to collect stones from the site of the old abbey. Mayor N. Ensch -Tesch of Arlon had the gate installed on the Mount and was also responsible for the renovation of the Luxembourg coat-of-arms on the pediment above the centre of the arch. Go down the road. In front you stands The portal of the ancient 19 church of Saint-Martin Having been located outside the city of Arlon (Rue des Thermes Romains) for more than 1,000 years, in 1558 the congregation of Saint-Martin’s Church was transferred closer to the city centre. Then, in 1660, it was destroyed by a fire and not rebuilt until 1681 when Luxembourg was occupied by the troops of Louis XIV. A century later (in 1785) another fire destroyed the roof and bell tower - a blaze so fierce that the bells melted! In the 19th century the tower was demolished and then rebuilt. In 1914, following the construction of the new Church of Saint-Martin, the old church was abandoned. It was finally demolished in 1935 but with the only part which had been classified as “heritage” being transferred to this location at the foot of Saint Donatus’ Hill.

Turn left into the “Rue du Marquisat’”andold quarterthen left ofagain the town.into “Rue Take du Bastion”. You are now entering the the next left -“Rue Saint-Donat’”- which leads onto the “Place de la Vierge Noire”. Carry straight on and you will come to the “Grand Place”. This is the site of the medieval marketplace... 15 stone cross, a symbol of freedom of the citizenry of Arlon. ... You will see a large It is located where the pillory used to stand. In a courtyard close by is the 20 The Roman Tower Neptune At the end of the 3rd century Arlon was fortified with the construction of ramparts. This “castrum” or fort was 800 metres in circumference with walls that were 4 metres thick and 8 metres high with two gateways and around 20 watch towers. The “Neptune” tower was identical to the “Jupiter” tower recently discovered near to the Town Hall. The small museum consists of remains of the tower which were discovered during archaeological excavations in 1948. In the foundations of the wall one can see various sculpted stones from the ancient “vicus” including a superb bas-relief representing Neptune. Visit accompanied by a guide, upon reservation at the Tourist Office.

Descend from the “Grand Place” by way of the steps called “La Breck” which means “The Bridge”. This location is so named as a reminder of a postern gate with a footbridge which spanned one of the fortress’s external defensive ditches. At the foot of the steps you will find yourself back in the “Grand Rue”, as you “Artwalk Nouveau” along this balcony section -of designed the “Grand by Paul Rue”, Hankar notice, at No. 60, the splendid “Art Deco” interior of the pharmacy at No.52. - and have a look at the Fin At the end of the “Grand Rue” is the “Marché aux Légumes” 16 ( the old vegetable market) and where our tour comes to an end. Walking The suburbs If you are interested in a longer itinerary, then we suggest you make your way back to page 7 (Saint-Martin’s Church). From there, crossing over “Avenue Jean-Baptiste Nothomb”, go down “Rue Francq”. At the bottom of this street you will see the statue of21 Mercurythe (Gareand, to d’Arlon)your left, railway station The railway line from Bruxelles to Luxembourg was inaugurated in 1858. Then in 1873, when the Belgian State Railway took over the network, a new station was built. The old wood and stone building, which had welcomed travellers up to then, was replaced by the imposing building you see today. It is built of “pierre de France” a sand coloured limestone, on a base of bluestone, and was designed by the provincial architect Van De Winjgaert. The development of the area around the railway resulted in the construction also of some fine Art Nouveau buildings along with some much more modest railway workers’ cottages (in Schoppach) . The “Avenue de la Gare” was completely renovated in 2002- 2003. The statue of Mercury is the work of Bettina Scholl-Sabbatini. From the station walk along the “Avenue Victor Tesch” for approximately 400 metres... 17 ... Take the un-named lane on your right which leads down to the “Rue des Thermes Romains” where you will find the 22 The Archaeological Park – Old Cemetery The old community cemetery fell out of use in1853. It still contains a number of 17th, 18th and 19th century crosses. The site had been occupied since Roman times: remains of thermal baths and a hypocaust (Roman heating system) were found here. Here too, in the 8th century, the first parochial church was constructed. A Romanesque church, dedicated to Saint-Martin, was constructed on the foundations of an original Roman building. This church survived into the 16th century. Then, in the 17th century, a hermitage and chapel were constructed on the foundations. This chapel was destroyed in 1878.

Proceed on along the “Rue des Thermes Romain”, turn right down the “Rue des Déportés”. Take the first on the left (“Rue Sonnetty”) 23 The Source of the Semois River and here you will find Based upon an initiative of the Arlon Tourist Board, geological and archaeological research was carried out, from 1967 to 1970, to try and identify the springs that are the source of the Semois River. Two brick-lined basins in local calcareous stone came to light. They date from the 17th and 18th centuries and were part of the infrastructure of a tannery which had existed at this site. The researchers did not find any Roman remains but, nevertheless, a copy of a Gallo- Roman stone sculpture fragment, picturing a man drinking at a well, was placed there to accentuate the importance of water, springs and rivers since ancient times.

Now go up the “Rue des Tanneries” and on up the 24 The synagogue ªRue de la Synagogue” In 1860, the quite large and commercially active Jewish community in Arlon decided to build a synagogue, and this was inaugurated in 1865. It was the first synagogue in Belgium 18 to be financed principally by public funds. The building was decorated and furnished in 1872. It follows a Romano-Byzantine style, whilst the exterior façade has a distinctly oriental look. At the front on the apex of the roof is a Jewish symbol representing the two tablets of the law. The twin round-topped windows below also echo this symbol. The Jewish Cemetery in Arlon is the oldest, still standing today, in Wallonia - it dates from 1856.

With your back to the synagogue, go up “Rue Saint-Jean” and follow “Rue Godefroid25 The Kurth”. monument On your of the left 10th Line The 10th Line Regiment was garrisoned in the Léopold Barracks in Arlon in 1889. This monument was erected by public subscription and inaugurated on 11 November 1924 in memory of the 1,500 soldiers from this regiment who died in the Great War. The stele is crowned by a Winged Victory and adorned with a sword decorated with laurel leaves, symbolising glory.

26 The caserne Léopold Behind it stands The “Caserne Léopold” (Leopold Barracks) was built in 1838. At the end of the 19th century, thanks mainly to Minister Victor Tesch and Colonel Demarest, there was considerable military expansion in Arlon: By 1883 Arlon had its own regiment and the barracks were enlarged. They were occupied successively by the 11th and the 10th Regiment of the Line. After the end of WWII the 1st Regiment Ardennes Hunters were housed there, followed by various other units. Now the Barracks are the home of the Academy of Fine Arts and the School ofIndustry and Commerce as well as some social welfare services of the City.

12 Turn around and take “Rue PaulTown HallReuter” (p. where 9). Before you will you rejoinend the first circuit from the Provincial 9

your walk,8 go along to “Place“Palais” Léopold” where you will(p. see 8). the exhibition centre Palace (p. 7) and the 19 Also in Arlon

27 Chapel Sainte-Croix, rue de Bastogne Its construction dates back to the end of the 17th century although the date inscription has long gone. The chapel had belonged to the Guild of Gold and Silversmiths of the town. It was confiscated from them during the French revolution. Then in the 19th century it again became a centre of devotion. Mass was frequently celebrated there, especially during Lent. It was at its busiest on Good Friday with the whole day devoted to communal prayer. Until 1910 the building stood alone in the middle of fields with its nearest neighbour being the communal wash-house (lavoir). It is constructed of Lorraine limestone.

28 Cemetery, route de Diekirch In the old part of this cemetery can be seen a collection of remarkable tombs and monuments including those of some of “the great and the good” who have played a part in the history of Arlon. It is an agreeable place through which to stroll. Also worth visiting is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Wallonia. Information +32 (0)63 22 46 79

29 Callemeyn Barracks Construction of the new Arlon military hospital on the Seymerich plateau, on a plot of land acquired in 1898, began in 1899. This is a modern, pavilion-style complex, with all the equipment and commodities of the time, along with a pharmacy, opened in 1903. The premises were to be occupied by a garrison infirmary, the staff of the 10th line regiment and later on, the infantry school. A new complex was added in 1955, but the reform of the armed forces led to the total reconversion of the site to create housing in the 21st century.

30 Waschbour washhouse, rue du Waschbour A public washhouse was built in 1848 and an annex was added in 1871. It contains 22 wash basins in a line, intersected by lateral passages. Before the installation of the water supply system in 1893, it also served as a public fountain. Its renovation provided an opportunity to recall the use made of these washhouses, which were lively meeting places for the women of the village in the last century. 20 The Church of the Sacred Heart, 31 rue des Déportés The foundation of a new house of the Jesuit Order (the Company of Jesus) was decided upon in 1855. Arlon seemed the ideal choice because, since the French revolution, not a single religious order had been present in Arlon. Then, in September 1895, construction of a new church began. It is based on the Romano- Byzantine style and dedicated to the Sacred Heart. In 1967 Arlon welcomed the second noviciate of the Company of Jesus in Belgium. The social and cultural activities of the Jesuits were very important to the town, notably the creation of a football club.

Sights in the surrounding area... Archaeological and historical medieval site of Clairefontaine Abbey, rue du Cloître Shortly before her death, Countess Ermesinde (1186-1247) dreamed of founding an abbey standing symbolically on the border between her lands in Arlon and Luxembourg. The abbey, intended as a dynastic burial place, was reserved for noble women. The buildings were erected and endowed by Henri Le Blondel in 1253. In 1794, the nuns fled to Luxembourg and the abbey was ravaged by French troops. The convent was demolished, sold and used as a stone quarry. In 1874, the Jesuits bought part of the site to build their country house. They discovered the remains of Countess Ermesinde and built a neo- Romanesque chapel to house her grave.

The entire archaeological and historical complex forms an open-air museum which is open to the public free of charge every day from 8 am to 8 pm. Archaeological park: ruins of a priory (12th century); tomb of Ermesinde, the founder of the territorial state of Luxembourg (†1247); neo-Romanesque chapel (1875–1877); garden of aromatic and medicinal plants. Interpretation centre-museum (open to groups upon reservation of a guide at the Arlon Royal Tourist Office or by calling +32 (0)495 23 00 44) – In the abbey woods: 4-kilometre waymarked, educational intramuros walk (not accessible to pushchairs), starting at the entrance gate. The walk will take you towards the stream (Durbach) and one of the old abbey mills (the wheel cannot be seen). 21 Autelbas Museum, Autelbas, Am Eck In the early Middle Ages, Autelbas was an important pottery manufacturing centre. The most representative pieces are bowls and pitchers, sometimes decorated with abstract paintings or printed motifs. The centre exported its production. Ceramics from Autelbas can be found both in regional sites and also further afield, such as at Eename sur l’Escaut. In the museum you will find a collection of remains from the Carolingian potters’ workshop and also objects discovered in the Autelbas Castle. The Museum and the Castle are open during the season and upon reservation. Information on guided tours : Arlon Royal Tourist Office Tel. +32 (0)63 21 63 60 – [email protected] www.ot-arlon.be Museum office Tel. +32 (0)63 23 46 39 – [email protected] www.autelbas.net

Museum of Cycling, rue de Stehnen 44 à Weyler This museum consists of three exhibition areas and a room where visitors can watch a video film (unfortunately, commentary in French only) There are more than a hundred bicycles on display, all of them remarkable and/or exceptional in some way. The video film shows these old and rare bicycles in action. Other exhibits include old posters, enamel bicycle tax plates (1895-1991), and a series of models and historical costumes. In several window displays you will find a collection of porcelain crockery decorated with cycling scenes along with games on the theme of the bicycle and many more things associated with the remarkable history of the bicycle. Open all year round upon reservation Tel. +32 (0)63 21 72 03 – www.museeducycle-weyler.be

The Museum of the International Scout Movement, rue du Maitrank 49 à Bonnert 4 exhibition rooms spread over 4 floors (150m²). A large range of objects connected to the Belgian and the International Scout Movement including the first Scout Camp in 1907; the writings of Baden Powell; World Jamborees since 1920; historical calendars; post cards; cartoons by the likes of Herge, Joubert, Mitacq, Peyo; The Sea Scouts; postcards; uniforms; certificates; 22 stamps; books; photographs picturing King Baudouin in his scouting days; woodcraft constructions, ... Open all year round on reservation for groups Tel. +32 (0)63 22 15 53 [email protected] – www.museescout.be

Village of Guirsch Guirsch is a charming little village whose centre was listed as an architectural complex in 2003. Numerous old farms can be found here. Whether for its built heritage, its superb viewpoint from St. Willibrord’s Chapel or its listed castle (private property), the village of Guirsch is well worth a visit.

Arlon military museum, Quartier Général Bastin, route de Bouillon 88 à Stockem. Through a rich collection of uniforms, weapons, equipment and various documents, the Arlon military museum traces the heroic history of the Infantry, the “Queen of Battles”, from 1830 to the present. The key moments in our history are evoked and enhanced by display cases full of souvenirs, models displaying our soldiers’ outfits and dioramas of the major wars. Open by appointment Tel. +32 (0)2 44 14 704 – +32 (0)496/78 42 74 [email protected]

Feel like other walks? Discover our waymarked walks starting from Clairefontaine, ... Map on sale at the Tourist Office or walks to be downloaded on www.arlon-tourisme.be (Hiking/walking).

23 Did you know? Arlon, the administrative centre of the province of Luxembourg, is the largest city in the province, with a population of almost 30,000 (including its villages).

One of the oldest cities in Belgium (along with Tongeren and Tournai), Arlon existed as a vicus in Roman Times, 2,000 years ago.

They were born in Arlon: journalist; singer-poet and comedian; journalist and writer Thierry Coljon; actor: Michael Erpelding, acteur, ...

Legend has it that Joan of Arc was married on the Knippchen, Arlon’s famous hillside, in Saint Donatus’ Church in 1436 under the name Claude du Lys. However, the veracity of this story is hotly disputed as it would cast doubt on the date of the death of the Maid of Orleans.

Arlon is one of 200 cities in the world to have its own edition of the Monopoly board game, thanks to an initiative of the Jeune Chambre Internationale d’Arlon in 2007.

In 1862, Victor Hugo was warmly welcomed by the people of Arlon who organised a concert for him given by the philharmonic society of the time. He was to retain positive memories of the people, saying that the meeting had been delightful and charming.

In the 20th century, the bells of Saint Donatus’ Church chimed the Arlon air every hour while the people sang in their dialect Zu Arel op der Knippchen (“on the slope of Arlon’). A music box that plays the melody is on sale at the Tourist Office.

Responsible publisher: Royal Office du Tourisme, Didier Laforge Photo credits: V. Peuckert, FTLB-P. Willems, A. Lambotte, C. Chevigné, S. Claudy, A. Merlot, Guy Fairon, E. Richard, Musée Archéologique Arlon, Institut Archéologique du Luxembourg, P. Maldague Texts: V. Peuckert, J. Champagne Graphics: C. Chevigné

www.arlon-tourisme.be

Avec le soutien de la Province de Luxembourg