History
From Acre to Alden Biesen – 800 years of history
The story of Alden Biesen does not begin in Limburg, but at the sweltering gates of besieged Acre . In 1190, German merchants built a field hospital there using the sails of their ships, intended for sick pilgrims and wounded crusaders. What began as an act of care and solidarity evolved into the founding of the Teutonic Order, a spiritual order of knights quickly recognized by the Pope and Emperor.
Centuries of care and struggle
For centuries, this order combined care and struggle: caring for the sick and defending Christianity. With the support of powerful princes, the Teutonic Order grew into an influential force , with branches throughout Europe and even its own state in the Baltic region.
But power also has its limits: the Reformation, political shifts, and ultimately the French Revolution heralded the end of the Order's secular role. Nevertheless, the Order endures as a religious and charitable organization , true to its origins.
HISTORY
A SPECIAL CHAPTER: ALDEN BIESEN
The German Knights of the Red Army also left their mark on our region. In the thirteenth century, an impressive land commandery was established in Rijkhoven near Bilzen: Alden Biesen, the headquarters of the Biesen bailiwick , which administered dozens of properties in the region.
For centuries, this estate was a center of power, wealth, and religious influence . But at the end of the eighteenth century, disaster struck. During the French Revolution, the properties of the Teutonic Order were confiscated. In 1797, Guillaume Claes, mayor of Hasselt, purchased the estate and saved it from demolition. However, it fell into disrepair, and in 1971 , a major fire destroyed almost the entire castle. Only the walls remained standing.
Fortunately, the Flemish government intervened and a thorough restoration followed. Today, Alden Biesen is once again a vibrant heritage site , where you can relive the past in the castle, the garden, and the museum.
Hungry for more?
How did the mighty German Order of Knights end up in Limburg?
Are the Land Commanders cold rulers or dedicated leaders?
How does the Order's presence leave its mark on the daily lives of the region's residents?
Are you looking for an answer to these and other questions?
Discover the Alden Biesen story in different ways:
Plan your visit and discover eight centuries of history.
Research and publications (HiSAB)
Alden Biesen conducts research into its own history in collaboration with the Historical Study Centre Alden Biesen (HiSAB) . This independent non-profit organization focuses on studying and expanding the history of the Teutonic Order in the region, the history of Alden Biesen, and, by extension, the Land van Loon and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.
With its expertise, the non-profit organization has published its own historical and scholarly book series on Alden Biesen as a land commandery, the functioning of the Biesen bailiwick, key historical figures, and the Teutonic Order in general. This 11-part series is titled "Contributions to the History of the Teutonic Order in the Biesen bailiwick."
In addition, HiSAB worked to publish an inventory of the archives of the Biesen bailiwick , which are housed in the State Archives in Hasselt, among other places; it is an exceptionally valuable reference work for experts and the general public. Making the historical library at Alden Biesen accessible is also one of its core tasks.
Every year, HiSAB organizes several study days where experts, both from its own ranks and guest speakers, present their research on Alden Biesen and its surroundings to other specialists and interested parties. These activities include evening lectures and colloquia with multiple speakers, each held in the beautiful Alden Biesen setting.
At HISAB, the rich history of the Teutonic Order, Alden Biesen, and its surroundings takes center stage. You are warmly invited to explore this fascinating world with us.