Hasselt

Hasselt (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɦɑsəlt]) is a Belgian city and municipality, and capital of the province of Limburg. The Hasselt municipality includes the original city of Hasselt, plus the old communes of Sint-Lambrechts-Herk, Wimmertingen, Kermt, Spalbeek, Kuringen, Stokrooie, Stevoort and Runkst, as well as the hamlets and parishes of Kiewit, Godsheide and Rapertingen.

On 31 December 2007 Hasselt had a total population of 71,520 (34,951 men and 36,569 women). Both the Demer river and the Albert Canal run through the municipality. Hasselt is located in between the Campine region, north of the Demer river, and the Hesbaye region, to the south. It is also situated in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion.

History

Hasselt was founded in approximately the 7th century on the Helbeek, a tributary of the Demer river. The name Hasselt came from Hasaluth, which means hazel wood. During the Middle Ages, it became one of the free cities of the county of Loon (which had borders approximately the same as the current province of Limburg). Hasselt was first named in a document in 1165 and shortly thereafter received the much sought-after city charter. In 1232 this status was officially confirmed by Arnold IV, Count of Loon. Even though the city of Borgloon was the original capital of Loon, Hasselt was to become the biggest city thanks to its favourable setting, and the proximity of the count’s castle at Herkenrode in Kuringen. In 1366 the county of Loon became part of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège and remained so until the annexation by France in 1794.

Hasselt, Overijssel

Hasselt is a city about 7 km north of Zwolle, in the Dutch province of Overijssel. It received city rights in 1252. It became a member of the Hanseatic League around 1350. The city suffered an economic downfall from about 1550 on, as other cities proved to be better situated and equipped for trade and commerce. Hasselt is the capital city of the municipality Zwartewaterland. In 2001 The municipalities Hasselt, Genemuiden and Zwartsluis are united in one municipality Zwartewaterland.

Hasselt was a separate municipality until 2001, when it became a part of Zwartewaterland.

Hasselt 1649

Hasselt 1649

Painting Hasselt, 17th century

Painting Hasselt, 17th century

Hasselt

Hasselt

City hall, Hasselt

City hall, Hasselt

References

External links

Coordinates: 52°35′27″N 6°05′28″E / 52.59083°N 6.09111°E / 52.59083; 6.09111

Hasselt (disambiguation)

Hasselt is a Belgian city and municipality.

Hasselt may also refer to:

See also