Fortress Steendorp

 place with historical importance, fortification, listed building / architectural heritage, 19th century construction

Fortress Steendorp is one of the 32 fortifications belonging to the 95 Km. long outer defending girdle around Antwerp.
Build in 1883 as a bridgehead for the river Schelde to defend the south west side of Antwerp. It was called “fortress Rupelmonde”
1909 the fortress is adapted to protect from ever more powerful cannons, it changed name to “fortress Steendorp”
WW I, adaption is still in progress. When the enemy is approaching, weapons and ammunition are blown up leaving the fortress heavy damaged and the army abandons. Germans are taking over the fortress, but it is of no use due to the damage.
1920 the fortress is rebuild as army barracks.
1924 it is decommissioned as fortification.
1928 rebuild again as gas ammunition production facility.
In the outbreak of WW II, significant products and materials are transferred by train
and the fortress is abandoned. The Germans use it as a munitions depot.
1944 before fleeing the fortress, the Germans blow up most of the ammunition depot.
British forces siege the fortress for a short time, civilians use it as a shelter
against the V1 - V2 attacks on Antwerp.
1945-47 disposal of war ammunition.
1948 army engineers use it as practice site for controlled detonations.
1960 the army looses interest in the heavily damaged fortress.
1995 the fortress is classified as protected landscape.
1997 more war ammunition is disposed before classifying the fortress as protected monument.
1999 the fortress is classified as nature reserve conservation and preservation.
A part of the fortress is being sealed off as a winter hibernation place for bats.
Today the inner part of the fortress lies in ruins, but it can be visit.