Westerlo

Westerlo is a common Dutch-speaking of Belgium located in Flemish Région in the Province of Antwerp.

General information

Westerlo is the chief town of the following communes; Tongerlo, Heultje, Zoerle-Parwijs, Oevel, Voortkapel and Oosterwijk. The commune maintains the close links twinning with its homonym of the USA (Westerlo N.Y.) and the town of Oierschot (Germany).

Fauna and flora with Westerlo

The village received the nickname of “groene parel der Kempen” , which means “the green pearl of Campines”. The three large wood which surrounds Westerlo are; " of beeltjens" , " het riet" and " of kwarekken". Each one of these wood is equipped with broad paths which make possible of great walks. The sandy ground (characteristic of Campines) has as a consequence a predominance of the pines with respect to the leafy trees. Westerlo is built along Large Nète.

History

The name of the village appears already at the 10th century. The history of Westerlo is closely related to the family of Mérode, which exerted there the power of the 15th century until the French revolution.

In 1625, Westerlo receives the title of Marquisat on behalf of the king of Spain. Westerlo was an important hearth of the Boerenkrijg; the revolt of the peasants let us brabançons against the French invader in 1798. E.J van Gansen has a street of the downtown area dedicated to its name following the actions which he undertook during this revolt.

Certain family members of Mérode played a paramount role in the war of independence of Belgium in 1830 (Felix de Mérode and Frederic de Mérode).

The castle of Westerlo is always inhabited by the family of Mérode. The gate of the castle is represented on the armorial bearings of the village. The communal house (old castle of Jeanne de Mérode) was renovated in 2004.

Patron saint of Westerlo is holy Sebastien. A guild of archers organizes each year a folk festival in its honor.

Random links: