Castle of Alden Biesen activation BCA LB-093 WCA ON-00748

Success! 105 QSO's thanks for your participation!

We will be using my call ON5BWE\p during this activation.
QSL via via bureau to home call ON5BWE.
Date 18/10/2014 starting around 06u00 local time on 80m SSB and going to 40m and higher acording the conditions.

Alden Biesen is a 16th-century castle in Belgium, located in the small village of Rijkhoven in the municipality of Bilzen in the province of Limburg.

The history of Alden Biesen begins in 1220, when the Order of German Knights founded the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen.
This Order was divided into 12 provinces. Alden Biesen became headquarters of the province Biesen.
Alden Biesen consisted of 12 subordinate commanderies. The showpiece, Alden Biesen, was owned by the Commander.
The castle grounds had its heyday between the 16th and 18th century. Alden Biesen grew into the luxury residence as we know today.

At the end of the 18th century the French Revolution put an end to this luxurieus castle.
The Order of the German Knights was expelled. The castle complex was publically sold.
When Guillaume Claes bought the domain, it was the beginning of two centuries of private ownership and decay.
After the fire of 1971 the Belgian state bought Alden Biesen.

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.
In addition, "European Classes" take place, intended to foster international learning and collaboration between students.
The first ever RSPBA Major Pipe Band Championship held outside the UK was the European Pipe Band Championships held there in September 2003.

In addition to the moated castle, the complex contains a church and gardens.

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