The best cycling routes around Bassenge

The bridge at Kanne is a suspension bridge and is part of the regional road N619 (Grenadiersweg). The first bridge at this location was a truss bridge built during the construction of the Albert Canal in 1930. This bridge was destroyed by the Belgian army on May 10, 1940, to prevent the advance of German troops. During World War II, there was a raft to cross the canal. American troops partially filled in the canal during the liberation to make a quick crossing possible. After the war, a wooden emergency bridge was built. In March 1950, the construction of a concrete arch bridge began. The contractor was Arthur Moens from Etterbeek, Brussels. In October 1951, the bridge was ready, at the same time as the new macadam road from the mill of Opkanne to the Oudeweg/Nieuweweg intersection. The concrete part of the bridge was cast in one go to achieve even curing. In 2004, the current, 120-meter-long bridge was built to a design by the engineering firm Greisch. The bridge was hoisted in on September 19, 2004, next to the old bridge, which was subsequently demolished. It is the first suspension bridge in Belgium. The bridge cost approximately 9.4 million euros.

Tongeren is the oldest city in Belgium. The city originates from a camp founded by Sabinus and Cotta, lieutenants of Julius Caesar, whose legions were massacred in 54 BC near Ambiorix, the leader of the Eburones. Sights include the basilica, the beguinage, the statue of Ambiorix, and the antique market that takes place every Sunday.

The outer courtyard is mainly characterized by the presence of the church. It all began for the Commandery with the church. More than 800 years ago, there was a chapel here, and through the centuries, the church grew into today's baroque masterpiece. On the outer courtyard, you can also recognize the tenant farm. Want to know more about the Commandery? Click through to https://www.alden-biesen.be/domein

The Water Castle was the center of the lordship of Millen or Milina, which was a fief of the County of Loon. It was first mentioned in 1143. The oldest known lord was Walter van Millen (Walterus de Milne), who was seneschal to Louis II of Loon. Successively, the lordship was owned by the families de Melin, Proest (1369), van Guygoven (1456), van Berloz (1479), van Houthem (1531), de Fléron (1625) and d’Hemricourt (1741). The castle was first mentioned in 1365. The original castle was transformed into a water castle in the 14th century. It then consisted of the older keep, which was expanded into a square water castle with a gate tower and two side towers. In the first half of the 17th century, the castle, which had fallen into ruin, was converted into a castle. It became a comfortable nobleman's residence without military significance. From the 18th century onwards, the castle was no longer permanently inhabited and fell into disrepair. In 1811, it was bought by baron de Blisia, after which a large part of it was demolished, including the keep and the tower on the southwest side. Only the east and west wings remained and have since served as a farm. In 1972, the remains of the castle were purchased by the municipality and restored. The 14th-century left tower, made of marlstone, has a Gothic vault. It is part of the east wing, the age of which may date back to the 12th century. Today, the castle houses a museum that depicts the life of the nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is also a hub for a number of cycling routes in the surrounding area that focus on the fortified past of the Euregio. The building also houses a tourist café, and the water castle is freely accessible.

Architectural Features: Construction Period --> Medieval core (13th–14th centuries), later remodeled in the Baroque style Function --> Access control, representation, protection Building Material --> Brick with natural stone detailing Design --> Arched gateway with flanking towers, heraldic or religious symbols Location --> Transition from the outer bailey to the inner courtyard

The outer courtyard (Vorphof) was primarily built between the 16th and 18th centuries during the expansion of the Teutonic Order's complex. It served as an economic and reception area in front of the inner castle courtyard. Stables, barns, coach houses, and administrative buildings were located here. Visitors and suppliers first reached this courtyard before entering the main area. Architecturally, the outer courtyard is characterized by brick buildings with a regular layout. Gates, moats, and bridges were originally part of the defensive system of the former moated castle. Today, the outer courtyard has been restored and is part of a publicly accessible cultural and event center.

The Moulin du Broukay is a former flint mill on the Geer River near Eben-Emael, built in the 1950s as an industrial flint-grinding mill. It primarily served the Meuse Valley foundations but later fell into disrepair. Today, it is a renovated cultural and recreational center with a café-restaurant, meeting and function rooms, and a starting point for hiking trails in the Montagne Saint-Pierre. The area is part of the "Archéo et Géo Espaces - Moulin du Broukay," which showcases the geology, archaeology, and industrial history of the Jeker/Geer Valley.

An unusual, beautiful building with many great photo opportunities.