Rijkhoven Explained

Official Name:Rijkhoven
Settlement Type:Village
Pushpin Map:Belgium
Pushpin Label Position:left
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Belgium
Pushpin Mapsize:250
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Belgium
Subdivision Type1:Community
Subdivision Name1:Flemish Community
Subdivision Type2:Province
Subdivision Name2:Limburg
Subdivision Type3:Municipality
Subdivision Name3:Bilzen
Area Total Km2:4.71
Population As Of:2021
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:1,370
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:CET
Coordinates:50.8333°N 36°W

Rijkhoven is a village in the Bilzen municipality of the Limburg province in the Flemish Community of Belgium.

History

The village was first mentioned in 1076 as Rudenchoven. It used to be part of the County of Loon. In 1220 the chapel of Alden Biesen was given to the Teutonic Order who establish a commandery. In 1870, Rijkhoven became an independent municipality.[2] In 1971, the municipality merged with Kleine- en Grote-Spouwen into Spouwen. In 1977, Spouwen merged into Bilzen.[3]

The Alden Biesen Castle is located near the village, and was the commandery of the Teutonic Order. The current building has been constructed between the mid-16th century and the late 18th century.[4]

Notable people

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 73006M . Statistics Belgium . 6 May 2022 .
  2. Web site: Rijkhoven . 17 October 2020. Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed. nl.
  3. Web site: Man/vrouw, Mo Ramakers, Totaalwerk van zes beelden in cortenstaal, Rijkhoven. . Bezoek Bilzen. 17 October 2020. nl.
  4. Web site: Castle of Alden Biesen. Eupedia. 2008-12-06.
  5. Web site: Johan Capiot. World Cycling Stats. 17 October 2020.
  6. News: BIOGRAFIE. Steve Stevaert. De Standaard. 17 October 2020. nl.