Aalst (French Alost), city in west-central Belgium, in the province of East Flanders, on the Dendre River. Manufactures include textiles, clothing, footwear, and machinery. The city hall (begun early 13th century) and the Gothic Church of Saint Martin (begun late 15th century) are notable landmarks. Aalst was founded by the 9th century. It was ruled by France from 1667 to 1706 and was occupied by Germany during World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). Population 76,291 (1998 estimate).
