Fort Lillo

Fort Lillo is unique in its kind. Not only because of its strategic location on the Scheldt, directly opposite Fort Liefkenshoek, but also because it is still inhabited. While the surrounding polder landscape and the old village had to make way for the expansion of the port of Antwerp, the fort remained standing. And with some thirty residents, Fort Lillo is now a living piece of history.

Built around 1580, Fort Lillo has seen the flags of many nations fly: Spanish, Dutch, French, Austrian and finally Belgian. Together with Fort Liefkenshoek, it was able to close off the Scheldt. This made it a crucial defensive point for access to Antwerp.

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Lillo - voormalige fort aan de Schelde (gemaakt door Walter Jonkers)

Things to do

  • Discover an inhabited fort with old barracks and fortifications.
  • Enjoy a walk along the ramparts with views of the harbour and the Scheldt.
  • Visit the Lillo Polder Museum and learn about lost villages and dyke breaches.
  • Admire the “De Eenhoorn” windmill, dating from 1735.
  • Play in the playground.

Practical information

  • Location: Scheldelaan, 2040 Antwerpen.
  • The fort grounds and the mill are freely accessible.
  • Please visit the Poldermuseum Lillo website for the opening hours of this museum.
  • Visit the Fortengordels website for more information about the What this place tells us about the Geopark.

What this place tells us about the Geopark

Fort van Lillo shows how landscape, defence, and habitation are intertwined. Its strategic location on the tidal river Scheldt made it a hub of military control, but also a place of perseverance. Even when the surrounding area disappeared, the fort remained. It is now inhabited, experienced, and preserved.