New experience centre unlocks rich historical past of Borgloon in Limburg

On 1 October, the new experience centre GRAAF – which is Dutch for “count” – will open its doors in Borgloon, Limburg province. Located in the fully renovated medieval Graethem chapel, the experience centre aims to make both the rich historical past of the County of Loon and the region's tourist attractions known to the general public.

The County of Loon came into existence around the year 1018 and was then slightly smaller than present-day Limburg. Borgloon was the county's main town from its creation until 1192.

The new experience centre opens up the rich medieval past of Borgloon, and Limburg, to a wide audience. “Through additional archaeological and anthropological research, we have learned more about Count Louis I and his wife Agnes of Metz,” said Borgloon’s alderman for heritage Jeroen Bellings. “This information, together with the previously lesser-known story of the counts of Loon, will be unlocked for current and future generations in an accessible and interactive way.”

GRAAF should furthermore become the gateway to discover the hiking and cycling routes in Borgloon and the whole Haspengouw region.

The experience centre is situated at a valuable historical site, which has been thoroughly renovated. The site amongst others includes two protected chapels, a medieval beguinage chapel and a neo-Gothic chapel. The renovation project and the construction of a new reception building with garden required an investment of about 4.6 million euros.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Aerial view of Borgloon © BELGA PHOTO VILDAPHOTO}