Herstal

Herstal is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège. On January 1, 2005 Herstal had a total population of 36,832. The total area is 23.54 km² which gives a population density of 1,564.56 inhabitants per km². Herstal is included in the area of the "big Liège".

Héristal, the ancient name of the city, was a fortified town which took its name from the Héristal family, which founded the Carolingian dynasty. Pépin, lord of Héristal, Mayor of the Palace under Thierry III, was the father of Charles Martel, victor of the decisive Battle of Tours that stopped the Arab-Muslim advance into northwestern Europe. Charles was the grandfather of Charlemagne, also supposely born in Herstal.

The town was then incorporated into the duchy of Lower Lotharingia. In 1546, it was reunited with the domain of the Bishopric of Liège.