Fortress Liefkenshoek

 monument, place with historical importance, fortification, draw only border, 17th century construction

Fortress Liefkenshoek is one of the 17 fortifications belonging to the small defending girdle around Antwerp.
Build in 1579, to defend Antwerp against Spanish attacks.
Trough centuries the fortress was captured and retaken by several armies.
On demand by Napoleon Bonaparte the fortress was rebuild in 1811 and could hold 400 soldiers.
From 1843 to 1952 is was used as a quarantine facility.
During the two World Wars the fortress was siege by the Germans.
In 1964 till 1973 it is converted in to a recreation/holiday centre for military service man and sailors.
In 1980 purchased by the municipal Beveren to protect it by claiming it historical heritage (1985)
The fortress can be visited the 2nd and 4th weekend of july and august.