Fortress Merksem (Antwerp (municipality))

Belgium / Antwerpen / Brasschaat / Antwerp (municipality) / Fortsteenweg, 120
 park, place with historical importance, fortification, listed building / architectural heritage, 19th century construction
Fortress Merksem is one of the 17 fortifications belonging to the small defending girdle around Antwerp. Build after the war of 1870-1871 along with Fortress Merksem and Zwijndrecht. Modernized in 1907 to hold a garrison of one thousand soldiers.
Partially blown up in 1914 by the Belgian defense when the Germans try to siege Antwerp.
After WW II the fortresses where adjust to fulfill the role as depots for the Belgium army. The fortress staid military domain until 1972.
In 1977 it became the ownership of municipal Merksem who converted it into a sports and recreation centre.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   51°15'48"N   4°27'28"E
This article was last modified 7 years ago