Stavelot Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Stavelot

Ståvleu (Walloon)

Stablo (German)

Flag	Coat of arms

Stavelot

Location in Belgium

Country

French Community

Arrondissement

Verviers

Area

• Total

85.07 km² (32.85 sq mi)

Population

(2018-01-01)Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

• Total

Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1,575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Postal codes

4970

Area codes

080

Stavelot (French pronunciation: [stavlo]; German: Stablo [ˈʃtablo]; Walloon: Ståvleu) is a town and municipality in Wallonia, a region in Belgium. It is located in the province of Liège.

The municipality includes the areas of Francorchamps and Stavelot. Stavelot is especially famous for being home to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps car racing track. It also hosts the fun Laetare de Stavelot carnival.

About Stavelot
Stavelot's History
Fun Things to Do in Stavelot
- The Famous Race Track
- Stavelot's Special Carnival
Stavelot's Weather
Image gallery
See also

About Stavelot

In 2006, Stavelot had a population of 6,671 people. The town covers an area of about 85 square kilometers (32.8 square miles). This means there were about 78 people living in each square kilometer.

Stavelot's History

The town and abbey of Stavelot, around 1735

Early Days and the Abbey

Stavelot grew up around a very old abbey. This abbey was founded around the year 650 by Saint Remaclus. It was built on land that used to be a large farm or "villa."

The Abbey of Stavelot was a very important place. However, it was later taken apart during the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Today, only the west end doorway of the church remains. It stands as a tall, free-standing tower.

You can still see parts of the old abbey. Two courtyards, which were once cloisters (enclosed gardens), are now part of 17th-century buildings. These buildings house several museums. You can visit the Museum of the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy. There are also museums dedicated to the poet Guillaume Apollinaire and the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

The foundations of the old abbey church are marked out on the ground. This helps visitors imagine how big and grand the Romanesque abbey once was.

Art and Power in the Abbey

One of the most famous leaders of the abbey was Abbot Wibald. He was in charge from 1130 to 1158. Wibald loved art and supported many artists. During his time, the beautiful Stavelot Triptych was made for the abbey. This artwork was crafted from gilded copper and enamels. It even held two small pieces believed to be from the True Cross.

Other important medieval artworks from Stavelot include the binding of the Stavelot Bible. Pieces from the abbey's altar screen also show amazing medieval art.

An Independent Region

For many years, Stavelot was the center of the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy. This was a small, independent area within the Holy Roman Empire. The abbots of Stavelot were its rulers.

This principality ended in 1795 during the French Revolution. Later, in 1815, Stavelot became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Malmedy, a nearby town, became part of Prussia. In 1830, Stavelot joined Belgium. Malmedy also became part of Belgium much later, in 1919.

Stavelot's Coat of Arms

The town's coat of arms was given to it in 1819. It shows two main things. One part represents Stavelot's founding bishop. The other part shows a wolf. In a local legend, this wolf helped carry bricks to build the abbey.

World War II History

During World War II, Stavelot saw heavy fighting. This happened during a big battle called the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The town was greatly affected by the war.

Fun Things to Do in Stavelot

The Famous Race Track

Stavelot is home to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. This is a world-famous car racing track. It hosts exciting events like the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race.

Stavelot's Special Carnival

Stavelot also has a very old and special carnival called the Laetare des Blancs-Moussis. This carnival happens on Laetare Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent.

During the carnival, about 200 local men dress up in white costumes. They wear masks with long, red noses. These are the "Blancs-Moussis," which means "White Monks." They parade through the town, throwing confetti and playfully tapping people with dried pig bladders. It's a very unique and fun tradition!

Stavelot's Weather

Stavelot has an oceanic climate. This means it has mild temperatures and rain throughout the year. Its location at a higher elevation and further inland gives it a slightly more continental feel compared to some other Belgian towns. Stavelot is a bit milder, drier, and sunnier than nearby Malmedy.

Climate data for Stavelot (1981–2010 normals; sunshine 1984–2013)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	3.4 (38.1)	4.6 (40.3)	8.5 (47.3)	12.5 (54.5)	16.7 (62.1)	19.4 (66.9)	21.7 (71.1)	21.3 (70.3)	17.4 (63.3)	12.9 (55.2)	7.3 (45.1)	4.2 (39.6)	12.6 (54.7)
Daily mean °C (°F)	0.9 (33.6)	1.2 (34.2)	4.4 (39.9)	7.4 (45.3)	11.6 (52.9)	14.4 (57.9)	16.6 (61.9)	16.2 (61.2)	12.9 (55.2)	9.3 (48.7)	4.7 (40.5)	1.7 (35.1)	8.5 (47.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	−1.8 (28.8)	−2.1 (28.2)	0.4 (32.7)	2.4 (36.3)	6.4 (43.5)	9.4 (48.9)	11.5 (52.7)	10.9 (51.6)	8.1 (46.6)	5.4 (41.7)	2.0 (35.6)	−0.7 (30.7)	4.4 (39.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	115.1 (4.53)	97.6 (3.84)	105.0 (4.13)	78.8 (3.10)	89.9 (3.54)	96.5 (3.80)	100.9 (3.97)	95.7 (3.77)	97.0 (3.82)	97.3 (3.83)	103.3 (4.07)	120.0 (4.72)	1,197.1 (47.13)
Average precipitation days	15.1	13.1	15.1	11.8	12.5	12.6	12.5	11.7	12.1	12.5	14.9	15.9	159.8
Mean monthly sunshine hours	45	69	113	159	185	181	197	188	133	102	49	34	1,453
Source: Royal Meteorological Institute