Alden Biesen Castle, Rijkhoven, Belgium

The knights of the Teutonic Order originally founded the Alden Biesen commandery in the 11th century, but the current buildings were constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. It was the headquarters of a bailiwick or province of the Teutonic Order in the region of the Maas and Rhine. On 8 March 1971 the building burnt down and was acquired by the government and restored. In addition to the moated castle, the complex contains a church and gardens.

The castle is used today as a cultural centre and conference centre. Festivals such as the Scottish weekend or the International Story Festival are held there.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Luis Perfetti (2 months ago)
Beautiful location and gardens. Sadly we couldn't visit the castle inside as it needs a pre booked guide. But the grounds are beautiful to see

Paul Vanlook (9 months ago)
Great historic place, beautiful restored, scenic gardens. Beautiful church and infodesk. Food places near by. Big parking lot.

Brian C (14 months ago)
One of the best places to go for a early morning walk. Beautiful everyday routine to get in touch with nature’s beauty and peacefulness, with so few people walking gives you the feeling the castle is all yours.

Maarten Redig (15 months ago)
A gorgeous site, perfectly maintained and with a wonderful history. The surrounding area has blossoms, tree's and sloping hills making the walks starting at the front of the castle well worth it!

steven janssen (15 months ago)
Breathtaking castle surrounded by beautiful, idyllic countryside. Enjoy moments of excitement, inner rest or self reflection between medieval walls and gardens filled with art. All year round plenty of activities and events, both for children and adults. On top of that, there are animated walks with mysterious storylines and interesting facts. Must see for everyone spending more than a couple of days in Belgium!!!

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Gruyères Castle

The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.

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