Fort de Loncin, Military fort and museum in Ans, Belgium
Fort de Loncin is a triangular fortification in Ans with underground chambers and multiple gun turrets that once formed part of the defense ring around Liege. The structure, surrounded by deep ditches, displays military architecture from this period and now houses a museum containing uniforms, weapons, and artifacts from the era.
The fort was built in the 1880s to defend Liege but was destroyed in 1914 during the German advance into Belgium. German artillery fire triggered an explosion in the ammunition store that damaged the structure and killed many garrison members.
The place serves as a space for remembrance where people come to honor soldiers who died here during the early stages of World War I. Visitors can observe how the site holds meaning for those seeking to understand the human cost of conflict.
Access is by marked pathways and most areas are walkable for visitors, though some underground chambers can be slippery and confined. It is best to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces and narrow passages throughout the site.
The ruins still show visible scars from artillery bombardment with deep craters and cracks across the concrete structure. Some soldiers who died during the battle were entombed within the rubble and remain there to this day.
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