Hasselt
General Summary
Hasselt is the administrative and economic centre of the rural province of Limburg. Although it doesn’t have the grandiose architecture of other Belgian cities, it’s a charming city nonetheless and is particularly renowned for its friendly local residents, convivial atmosphere and lively nightlife, as confirmed by the honour bestowed upon it in 2004 as ‘the most sociable city in Flanders’. It’s also a great city for shopping, with pedestrianised streets in most parts of the centre.
Hasselt has been around since the seventh century, and thanks to its strategic location on the commercial route between Bruges and Cologne, it quickly grew into an important economic centre. Often passing from French to Dutch rule throughout the ages, it finally acquired its current status as capital of Limburg in 1839 after Belgium became independent. The city flourished during a period of industrialisation in the 19th century, when genever production reached its peak and became the main source of economic wealth in the city. Although a great number of the distilleries have now closed down, it’s still an important local product. The construction of the Albert Canal in the first half of the 20th century ensured the city’s continued prosperity and resulted in the regeneration of the medieval centre.
Hasselt has been around since the seventh century, and thanks to its strategic location on the commercial route between Bruges and Cologne, it quickly grew into an important economic centre. Often passing from French to Dutch rule throughout the ages, it finally acquired its current status as capital of Limburg in 1839 after Belgium became independent. The city flourished during a period of industrialisation in the 19th century, when genever production reached its peak and became the main source of economic wealth in the city. Although a great number of the distilleries have now closed down, it’s still an important local product. The construction of the Albert Canal in the first half of the 20th century ensured the city’s continued prosperity and resulted in the regeneration of the medieval centre.