Fort de Barchon, Military fortress and museum in Barchon, Belgium
Fort de Barchon is a military fortress with underground structures and bunkers embedded in the landscape northeast of Liege. The installation displays a clear geometric design with trench systems, artillery positions, and thick concrete walls built to withstand early 20th-century warfare.
The fort was constructed between 1881 and 1884 as part of a larger defensive ring around Liege. In August 1914, it became the first of twelve forts in the system to fall to German forces, marking the beginning of Belgium's invasion.
Local volunteers maintain the fort as a living memory space, guiding visitors through its passages and sharing stories of what happened here. The place serves as a connection between the community and the military events that shaped the region's past.
Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes as you will walk through narrow passages, steep stairs, and damp underground areas. Tours are conducted in multiple languages and available during specific seasons, so check beforehand for access times.
The fort functions as a rock climbing and caving training facility with rope courses and underground exploration activities that coexist with its role as a historical site. This dual use creates an unusual blend where military heritage and adventure training take place within the same walls.
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