Bilzen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbɪlzə(n)] ⓘ) is a former municipality and city located in the Belgian province of Limburg.

In 2021, Bilzen had a total population of 32,536. The total area is 75.90 km2 which gives a population density of 426 inhabitants per km2.

Bilzen consists of the city of Bilzen and the following villages: Beverst, Eigenbilzen, Grote-Spouwen[nl], Hees[nl], Hoelbeek[nl], Kleine-Spouwen[nl], Martenslinde[nl], Mopertingen[nl], Munsterbilzen[nl], Rijkhoven, Rosmeer[nl], and Waltwilder[nl]. In 1977 they all became part of the municipality Bilzen because of the fusion of municipalities.

Cities in Bilzen's neighbourhood are all within a distance of some 10 to 15 kilometers: to its north is Genk, to its east Maastricht (Netherlands), to its south Tongeren, and to its north-west Diepenbeek.

From 1965 to 1981 Bilzen hosted Jazz Bilzen, an annual multi-day open air jazz and rock festival. In its time Jazz Bilzen was the most important Belgian festival. Artists that performed, among many others, included: Humble Pie, The Moody Blues, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, The Kinks, The Troggs, Procol Harum, Golden Earring, Rod Stewart, Status Quo, Lou Reed, Aerosmith, AC/DC, The Cure, Toots Thielemans, Keith Jarrett and John McLaughlin. From the 1980s onwards, the festival was superseded by Torhout-Werchter, which has now become Rock Werchter.

History

For over 300 years, Bilzen was part of the County of Loon (French: comté de Looz).

Places of interest

Born in Bilzen

Gallery

  • Bilzen, church: parochiekerk Sint-Mauritius
  • Bilzen, townhall
  • Beverst, Schoonbeek castle
  • Mopertingen, church: parochiekerk Sint-Catharina
  • Munsterbilzen, church: parochiekerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Hemelopneming
  • Rijkhoven, Alden Biesen commandry

External links

  • (in Dutch)
  • (in Dutch)