Ath Attractions
The little town of Ath (Flemish Aat) situated at the confluence of the two rivers Dender (East and West), boasts some modest industry, mainly furniture manufacture and silk processing. In addition it serves as a market town for the surrounding villages. Ath's Parade of Giants - with the Wedding of Goliath one of the highlights - is among the oldest manifestations of this folk tradition in Belgium.
The town was founded in the 12th C. when Baldwin IV, Count of Hainaut, purchased the title to the area. Because of its strategic importance he fortified it by building several castles, including one at Ath. War has principally shaped Ath's history ever since. Following capture by Louis XIV in 1667 it became the site of one of Vauban's earliest exercises in military engineering. Ironically enough it was the French who also later razed Vauban's fortifications during the War of Austrian Succession.
The humanist scholar Justus Lipsius (1547-1606) was brought up in Ath.
The town was founded in the 12th C. when Baldwin IV, Count of Hainaut, purchased the title to the area. Because of its strategic importance he fortified it by building several castles, including one at Ath. War has principally shaped Ath's history ever since. Following capture by Louis XIV in 1667 it became the site of one of Vauban's earliest exercises in military engineering. Ironically enough it was the French who also later razed Vauban's fortifications during the War of Austrian Succession.
The humanist scholar Justus Lipsius (1547-1606) was brought up in Ath.
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Château d'Attre
Built in Louis XV style, this château still maintains much or its original furnishings, offering insight into the lifestyle of the aristocracy during this time period.
Burbant Tower
The 23m/75ft high Tour de Burbant (Burbant Tower) is a relic of Baldwin IV's original stronghold, built in 1168. Walls up to 3.7m/12ft thick leave little room actually inside the tower.
The rest of the castle was demolished in the 16th C., to be replaced by another in the 17th C.
The rest of the castle was demolished in the 16th C., to be replaced by another in the 17th C.
Cambron-Casteau - Parc Paradisio
Parc Paradisio is a 3000 sq. meter aviary with more than 2,500 different birds from all corners of the world. The aviary is surround by 55 ha of parkland and gardens.
Hours
March 26 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
September 1 to November 6
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Gallo Roman Museum
Belgium's Gallo-Roman roots are showcased in this museum through artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | |
| Open | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed | 13:00 | Closed |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | |||||
| Open | 13:00 | 13:00 | |||||
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Giants Festival
This annual weekend festival takes in late August to celebrate the wedding of Gouyasse (Goliath). Events include a reenactment of the battle between David and Goliath, as well as processions of stilted giants and other traditional festivities.
Maffle - Stone Museum, Belgium
(Near Ath)
An old quarry near Maffle, 3km/2miles southeast of Ath, has been turned into the rather unusual Musée de la Pierre.
This museum is dedicated to the local industry as well as activities linked to the work of stone in Belgium and in Europe. You can get to know the different extracting, production and cutting techniques, as well as a glimpse into the life of miners.
This museum is dedicated to the local industry as well as activities linked to the work of stone in Belgium and in Europe. You can get to know the different extracting, production and cutting techniques, as well as a glimpse into the life of miners.
Hours
April 1 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
September 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 |
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Saint-Julien
Reached via the main thoroughfare running through the market-place, the 12th C. church of Saint-Julien had to be substantially rebuilt after a fire. Standing out from the rest of the church today the sturdy tower (1462) with its four turrets and carillon of bells was one part of the building to survive.
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