Happy TravellerWelcome to Sint-Truiden, one of the largest cities in the province of Limburg, Flemish Region, Belgium. This charming city is located in the centre of Belgium’s fruit-producing region, Haspengouw (Hesbaye), and is renowned for its pears, apples (Jonagold), and sweet cherries. With over 41,500 inhabitants, Sint-Truiden is a bustling city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore.
History:
Sint-Truiden was formed around an abbey founded by St. Trudo, a Frankish nobleman, in the 7th century. Legend has it that as a boy, Trudo was playing while building a small church with some rocks. When a woman scornfully kicked over the rocks she was struck by sudden blindness. Trudo cured her from this blindness after she asked for his forgiveness. After his death, the abbey (the later Sint-Truiden Abbey) became the centre of a pilgrimage, which brought wealth to the neighbouring town. The 11th century was particularly prosperous and witnessed an important growth in population. This was the time when abbot Adelardus built the abbeys main church and two additional churches in town: Our Lady (Lievenvrouwenkerk) and Sint-Gangulfus. Under his direction, Sint-Truiden also received an earth wall surmounted by a wooden fence and fortified gates. A proper stone wall, gates and towers were built in 1129. The economy of this new oppidum city was based on linen industry and commerce with foreign lands such as England, Champagne, and Germany. In the 13th century, the fortified town became one of the 23 bonnes villes (main cities) belonging to the Bishopric of Liège. Charles the Bold captured the town in 1467, marking the beginning of a slow decline that lasted until the 19th century. The city’s fortifications were dismantled in 1675, and many of the religious congregations were disbanded under the French regime at the end of the 18th century. After 1830, these empty buildings were turned into educational and medical facilities. The city was also the centre of a prosperous agricultural region, which from the end of the 19th century became well known for its fruit production.
Places of Interest:
Sint-Truiden’s historical centre includes the town hall (Stadhuis), with a 17th-century belfry added by UNESCO to the World Heritage Site of Belfries of Belgium and France. The oldest parts of the building date from the 13th century. The 15th-century Church of Our Lady (Lievenvrouwenkerk) stands just beside the town hall. The béguinage of Sint-Agnes, with its 13th-century church, was also classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of Flemish Beguinages. An 11th-century Romanesque tower and crypt are all that remain of the old abbey of St Trudo. Several other Romanesque buildings can also be visited in town: Sint-Pieterskerk, Sint-Gangulfuskerk, and the Guvelingen chapel. On the abbey square stands the statue of St Trudo which, together with a meridian line traced on the ground, also functions as a sundial. Sint-Truiden offers several good examples of Baroque architecture, including the gable of the town hall and the Minderbroederkerk. The city is also home to the military school KSOO Saffraanberg, the grounds of which include Rochemdaal Castly.
Transport:
The town is served by Sint-Truiden railway station. The airport of Sint-Truiden, Limburg Regional Airport – EBST is PPR. It is a former Belgian Air Force Air Base and retains the long hard 06-24 runway, though only 1199 metres (3933 ft) is used. Fuel (Jet A-1 and Avgas) are available. All is located in hangar 41 (turn right at the end of the runway when taxiing heading 06). Opening hours from 09:00 LT until sunset 7/7. There is also a flight school (airplane and helicopter) Fly One. There are no scheduled flights.
Sports:
The professional football club Sint-Truidense V.V. is based in Sint-Truiden. STVV plays in the highest division of Belgian football, the Pro League.
Notable Inhabitants:
Sint-Truiden has been home to several notable people, including English author Aldous Huxley, who briefly resided on the towns central square. Other notable inhabitants include musicians, football players, and artists.
Whether you’re interested in exploring Sint-Truiden’s rich history, indulging in its famous fruit, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of this charming city, there’s something for everyone. So why not add Sint-Truiden to your travel itinerary and experience all that this hidden gem has to offer?
