Why Ath
Ath is a city and municipality situated in the province of Hainaut within the Wallonia region of Belgium. Geographically, it sits along the N56 road and marks the origin of the Dender River, which is formed by the confluence of its eastern and western branches. The broader municipality includes numerous surrounding districts, such as Arbre, Bouvignies, Ghislenghien, Gibecq, Houtaing, Irchonwelz, Isières, Lanquesaint, Ligne, Maffle, Mainvault, Meslin-l'Évêque, Moulbaix, Ormeignies, Ostiches, Rebaix, Villers-Notre-Dame, and Villers-Saint-Amand.
Evidence of human habitation in the region dates back to Gallo-Roman settlements, while the town's name was first recorded in 1076. The city itself was formally established around 1160 when Count Baudouin IV of Hainaut purchased land in the area. To protect his domain, he erected the Burbant Tower, a defensive structure that remains standing today. Ath rapidly grew into a vibrant commercial hub, establishing a weekly Thursday market and building a market hall on the Grand-Place in 1325. Historical economic growth was driven by the production of linen, textiles, leather, and luxury goods like cabinetry and goldsmithing.
Over the centuries, Ath played a role in major regional conflicts and geopolitical changes. It hosted the signing of the Peace of Ath in 1357 and saw the construction of a second defensive wall in the late 14th century to accommodate population expansion. In 1667, the city was taken by Louis XIV's forces, prompting the construction of bastioned fortifications designed by Vauban. Later, in the 1820s, Dutch authorities constructed Fort Féron, though it was eventually dismantled following the establishment of the Kingdom of Belgium. The 19th and early 20th centuries brought industrial expansion in brewing, milling, forestry, and textiles, which later transitioned into modern commercial, educational, and administrative sectors.
Visitors to Ath can explore several historic architectural sites. Beyond the 12th-century Burbant Tower, the city features a 17th-century town hall. Religious sights include the Church of Saint Julien, which houses a 16th-century carillon, a Gothic tower, and an apsidal chapel, as well as the 16th-century Church of Saint Martin, notable for its outdoor oak calvary.
Ath is famous for its long-standing cultural festival, the Ducasse d'Ath, held annually on the fourth weekend of August and extending into early September. Originating from a 15th-century procession linked to the Church of Saint Julien, the event features street parades centered around massive figures representing Goliath, Samson, and allegorical characters, complete with a re-enactment of the fight between David and Goliath.
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