Oud-Turnhout () is a

municipality A municipality is usually a single administrative division having corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. The term ''municipality'' may also mean the go ...

located in the

Belgian Belgian may refer to: * Something of, or related to, Belgium * Belgians, people from Belgium or of Belgian descent * Languages of Belgium, languages spoken in Belgium, such as Dutch, French, and German *Ancient Belgian language, an extinct languag ...

province of

Antwerp Antwerp (; nl, Antwerpen ; french: Anvers ; es, Amberes) is the largest city in Belgium by area at and the capital of Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region. With a population of 520,504,

. The municipality only comprises the town of Oud-Turnhout proper. In 2021, Oud-Turnhout had a total population of 14,201. The total area is 38.80 km². There are 3 parishes: Zwaneven in the east, St. Bavo in the centre and Oosthoven in the North. Zwaneven is in the upmarket residential area referred to as "De Lint", where many Dutch people live.

History

The village was first mentioned in 1333 as "Vetus Turnoltum". Oud (old) has been added to distinguish from the village which developed around the castle which was built in 1109 or 1110. That village would eventually become the city of

Turnhout Turnhout () is a Belgium, Belgian Municipalities in Belgium, municipality and city located in the Flemish Region, Flemish Provinces of Belgium, province of Antwerp (province), Antwerp. The municipality comprises only the city of Turnhout proper. ...

. Oud-Turnhout used to be part of the municipality of Turnhout, but felt neglected by its bigger neighbour. In 1859, Oud-Turnhout became an independent municipality. In 1977, the hamlets of Schoonbroek en Kinschot became part of

Retie Retie (; french: Réthy, ) is a municipality located in the Campine region of the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The municipality comprises the town of Retie proper and several hamlets of which Schoonbroek is the largest. In 2021, Retie had a total ...

, the area Kijkverdriet was awarded to

Ravels Ravels () is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality comprises the towns of Poppel, Ravels proper and Weelde. In 2021, Ravels had a total population of 15,105. The total area is 94.99 km². A large propor ...

, and the remainder became part of

Attractions

In the northern part of the village "The Liereman" is one of

Flanders Flanders (, ; Dutch: ''Vlaanderen'' ) is the Flemish-speaking northern portion of Belgium and one of the communities, regions and language areas of Belgium. However, there are several overlapping definitions, including ones related to culture, ...

' largest nature reserves measuring more than .

Notable inhabitants

Karel Van Miert Karel Antonius Lucia Maria van Miert (; 17 January 1942 – 22 June 2009) was a Flemish politician of the Different Socialist Party and official of the European Commission. Biography He was born in Oud-Turnhout. He studied at Ghent University ( ...

, politician,

European Commissioner A European Commissioner is a member of the 27-member European Commission. Each member within the Commission holds a specific portfolio. The commission is led by the President of the European Commission. In simple terms they are the equivalent ...

Margriet Hermans Margareta Maria Josepha (Margriet) Hermans (born 1954) is a Belgian singer, former radio and TV talk show host, politician and a member of the Open VLD. She was elected as a member of the Belgian Senate The Senate ( nl, Senaat, ; french: Séna ...

, politician and singer

Gallery

File:Oud-Turnhout-DeLiereman.JPG, Crosscountry De Liereman in Oud-Turnhout File:Hofkevanchantraine oud-turnhout belgium.jpg, Hofke van Chantraine File:De brug over en thuiskomen Chris Wens.jpg, Sculpture by Chris Wens File:Priorij van Corsendonk bijgebouw.JPG, Priory of Corsendonk

References

External links

*
Official website
{{Authority control Municipalities of Antwerp Province Populated places in Antwerp Province