Arlon — Orolaunum Stelae Secret

Your quest begins at Place Léopold, the beating heart of Arlon. Developed in the 19th century in honor of Léopold I, the first King of the Belgians, this 5,000 m² square has always been a convergence point. Since the Middle Ages, it has hosted weekly markets, testifying to its central role in the city's economic and social life. The neoclassical buildings surrounding it, erected between 1830 and 1850, immerse you in a past atmosphere as you search for the first clues of the missing stele.

A short walk away, Arlon's Hôtel de Ville stands proudly. Built between 1621 and 1626, it embodies the Mosan Renaissance style, succeeding a 16th-century edifice. Its facade is adorned with 48 allegorical statues, sculpted by local artisans, representing virtues and arts. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1943, this building has housed municipal archives since 1830. The bell tower, rising to 40 meters, offers a perspective on Wallonia's history and its administrative secrets, possibly linked to your imperial mission.

Your journey then leads you to Arlon's Archaeological Garden, a Gallo-Roman Orolaunum site opened in 1931. Over 1 hectare, this garden exhibits mosaics and foundations of Roman villas dating from the 2nd-3rd century, discovered during the 1920s excavations. This place is a direct link to Orolaunum, which was the capital of the Treveri under the Roman Empire from the 1st to 4th century. Right next door, Arlon's Roman Baths, listed as a classified heritage property in 1997, reveal remains from the 2nd century AD over approximately 2,000 m², with intact hypocaust and pools. These archaeological sites in Wallonia are crucial for your investigation.

Continuing your exploration, you arrive at Saint-Donat Church. This collegiate church, initially built in the 11th century then remodeled in the 14th century in a Brabantine Gothic style, is another Historic Monument Belgium. Its bell tower, completed in 1721, rises 62 meters high. More importantly for your quest, it houses Gallo-Roman funerary steles from the 3rd century, exhibited in its crypt. These artifacts offer a direct insight into the Treveri culture and could contain clues about Augustus' stele. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1937, this church is a pillar of Wallonia's archaeological heritage.

Your journey concludes on Rue des Thermes, which follows the route of Orolaunum's ancient cardo maximus from the 1st century, and Place du Musée. Rue des Thermes, 300 meters long, is lined with 18th-century houses and has revealed 2nd-century Roman sigillata pottery during excavations. Finally, Place du Musée, developed in the 19th century, is the heart of the Gallo-Roman quarter and home to Arlon's Archaeological Museum. Founded in 1840, it houses Belgium's largest Gallo-Roman lapidary collection with over 600 funerary steles from the 2nd-4th century, including the famous 'Augustus' stele dated 14 AD. You have found traces of your mission in this Gallo-Roman Orolaunum site, thus concluding your interactive visit to Arlon.