Alden Biesen Castle - Belgium
The Alden (Old) Biesen Castle is a beautiful excursion for a few hours. Located about 15 km from Maastricht Holland near the community of Bilzen Belgium. The castle is wonderfully maintained and also has a quaint coffee shop located after the first castle wall near the entrance.
Alden Biesen Castle also has it's own tourist information centre, however most of the books and information are not geared towards english speaking visitors. Alden Biesen Castle is a popular tourist attraction for Belgians and those tourists from neighbouring countries.
Know as the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen (land commandership of Alden Biesen), it is said to be the largest castle between France's Loire River and the Rhine River.
In the 11th century land was granted by the Count of Loon to the German Order of Knights who were also known as the Teutonic Order. This was used as a staging ground for wounded soldiers and the ill during the crusades.
The modern brick buildings were created around 16th to 18th century which include a church, a gallery and fine French style gardens.
After the French revolution the castle came under private ownership and despite being devastated by fire in 1970, it has been masterfully restored and is now used as a Flemish cultural centre.
The grounds in and around the castle are really beautiful, but certainly one of the highlights of the Alden Biesen is the Chapel which is beautifully adorned and a magnificent site.
The castle has a nice courtyard to relax and enjoy the sun and sit down and chat with friends and family. Moats are throughout the castle complex with has picturesque brick bridges and water full of fish.
Alden Biesen Castle is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. It's free to visit and walk around, with the exception of the French Style Gardens and the optional tours.
Alden Biesen Castle also has it's own tourist information centre, however most of the books and information are not geared towards english speaking visitors. Alden Biesen Castle is a popular tourist attraction for Belgians and those tourists from neighbouring countries.
Know as the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen (land commandership of Alden Biesen), it is said to be the largest castle between France's Loire River and the Rhine River.
In the 11th century land was granted by the Count of Loon to the German Order of Knights who were also known as the Teutonic Order. This was used as a staging ground for wounded soldiers and the ill during the crusades.
The modern brick buildings were created around 16th to 18th century which include a church, a gallery and fine French style gardens.
After the French revolution the castle came under private ownership and despite being devastated by fire in 1970, it has been masterfully restored and is now used as a Flemish cultural centre.
The grounds in and around the castle are really beautiful, but certainly one of the highlights of the Alden Biesen is the Chapel which is beautifully adorned and a magnificent site.
The castle has a nice courtyard to relax and enjoy the sun and sit down and chat with friends and family. Moats are throughout the castle complex with has picturesque brick bridges and water full of fish.
Alden Biesen Castle is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. It's free to visit and walk around, with the exception of the French Style Gardens and the optional tours.
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