Fortress Lier (Lier)

 recreation area / ground, place with historical importance, fortification

Fortress Lier is one of the 32 fortifications belonging to the 95 Km. long outer defending girdle around Antwerp.
Build in 1879 along with Fortress Walem to defend the bridgehead’s of the Rupel-Nete line.
It was constantly adapted to protect from ever more powerful cannons.
1940 the fortress is not fully operational and in October it is shelled heavily by the artillery of the Germans. After several days the majority of the fortress is destroyed and the garrison withdrew behind the river Nete and later to the Yser.
After WW I, it is partially rebuild and rearmed.
In WW II the fortress plays no significant role.
195? The city Lier is purchasing the fortress and uses it as storage facility.
1989 it is reformed in to a recreation domain where several sport clubs have their club house.