Alden Biesen Castle, Medieval castle in Rijkhoven, Belgium
Alden Biesen is a castle complex in Rijkhoven featuring a moated fortress, a church, French formal gardens, and an English-style park spread across the grounds. The entire property displays a blend of architectural styles that developed over several centuries.
The castle was built between the 16th and 18th centuries and served as headquarters for the Teutonic Order, which managed command posts in the Maas-Rhine region. This period shaped the development of the complex significantly.
The castle now serves as a cultural venue for the Flemish Government, hosting a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year.
The grounds are freely accessible and offer various areas to explore, from the gardens to the buildings within the complex. Wear comfortable shoes as there is much to see on foot.
The grounds contain Western Europe's largest public heritage orchard, preserving numerous traditional fruit varieties that grow nowhere else. This collection demonstrates historical growing methods and rare species that have disappeared from other places.
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