Fort de Liers, Military fortress in Juprelle, Belgium
Fort de Liers is a fortress in Juprelle with a triangular layout featuring deep defensive trenches and concrete walls built according to 19th-century military engineering principles. The structure includes concentrated armament positions in its central section and currently operates as an aircraft engine testing facility.
This fortress was built between 1881 and 1884 under General Henri Alexis Brialmont's direction as part of a comprehensive defensive system surrounding Liège. It was created to protect the Belgian region against potential military threats.
This fortress marks a turning point in Belgian military design, being among the first structures built entirely from unreinforced concrete instead of traditional stone. The material choice shaped how the building looks and sets it apart from older fortifications in the area.
The fortress is not currently open to public visits as it operates as a private testing facility for aircraft engines. Those interested in the site should check in advance whether special access or guided tours can be arranged.
The fortress is encircled by a deep defensive ditch measuring approximately 6 meters deep and 8 meters wide, serving as one of its most striking defensive features. This ditch demonstrates the technical care taken to maximize protection for the structure.
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