Hidden in the greenery near Puurs-Sint-Amands lies Fort Liezele, the best-preserved armoured fort in the Antwerp Fortress Belt. Built in the early 20th century as part of the Belgian defence line, the fort played a crucial role on the eve of the First World War.
Today, it is a place where history comes alive: through corridors, bunkers, and a museum that tells the stories of soldiers, civilians and a village that was burned to the ground. Interactive displays, game consoles, and virtual reality bring the past to life.
In addition to visiting the museum, you can walk, cycle, fish, or relax on the terrace of Fortcafé De Batterie. There are also popular escape rooms.
Fort Liezele is located on a strategic hill in the transition zone between the Scheldt Valley and the inland region. Here you can see how geography and geology determined military architecture and the history of conflict. The fort structures and the use of water as a means of defence make it a powerful example of how the landscape was used as a line of defence.