Aarschot - Idiosyncrasy through the history of the little man and woman

This walk takes us past places that bear witness to the social past of the city of Aarschot and mainly tells the history of the little man during the Belle Epoque. the circuit was developed for Linx+ and is one of the realizations in the series 'Anders Bekeken', in which the social and political history of the 'little man' is told for various Flemish cities. You can download the full brochure for free via this link.

This walk takes us past the places that remind us of the difficult life of the poor Aarschotse population in the 19th century and of the early socialist struggle for a better future. We reflect on the first and only factory, in the 19th century: the Persy weaving factory. We meet a (stone) lace worker, symbol of an industry of exploitation. The People's House (1907) was a striking fist and symbol of the proletariat. In the working-class district 'De Grecht' we get to know the working and living conditions of the poorer population.

Although this walk leads along social themes, we pass the most beautiful places of the city of Aarschot: the Grote Markt, the Gasthuis (now cultural center), the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, 's Hertogenmolens and the beguinage. We experience greenery in the city park and along the borders of the Demer. On the former Molenberg we are surprised by a beautiful panorama of the city.

The walk is a loop. So you can get in anywhere in the circuit. The start and end point are located at Aarschot station. But if you are by car, nothing prevents you from putting your car on the large free Demer parking. You can then easily connect to the Grote Markt.

There is more than enough catering in Aarschot. It will not take any effort to find a good place where you can eat and drink.