Alden Biesen Commandery

The grounds of Alden Biesen were already donated to the Teutonic Order in 1220, a military knightly order that built a commandery there. When the construction of Alden Biesen Castle began in 1543, a church was already standing, of which the foundations are still visible. By 1566, the water castle was completed, but it would undergo frequent renovations. The most significant renovations occurred around 1700-1720 as the Teutonic Order increasingly valued a luxurious lifestyle. From the 19th century onward, the castle began to decline, but it would take until 1971 for the last owner to be willing to sell the castle to the state. Although the castle largely burned down that year, the sale proceeded nonetheless. Alden Biesen has grown into a multifunctional cultural center of the Flemish Community with an international appeal. In addition to the castle, the domain includes beautiful English and French gardens, stunning high-stem orchards with numerous old fruit varieties, and a gatehouse with a restaurant.

Lannoo