Fort de Boncelles, Military fortification in Boncelles, Belgium.
Fort de Boncelles is a military fortification in Belgium designed in a triangular shape with a base of 300 meters and sides of 235 meters. A deep perimeter ditch surrounds the entire structure as part of its defensive design.
The fort experienced intense combat during the Battle of Liège in August 1914 when German forces deployed heavy artillery against it. This siege marked a pivotal moment in the early stages of Belgium's occupation.
Soldiers left behind wall paintings during wartime showing military equipment and personal expressions of their experiences. These drawings offer a glimpse into the daily life and thoughts of those stationed within these walls.
Visitors can join guided tours through the fort where safety helmets and headlamps are provided for use inside. Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves stairs and uneven ground throughout the site.
At the fort's center stood a fortified massif housing the main weapons, including 57mm guns positioned in casemates designed to defend the ditch. This central bastion exemplified the military engineering principles of its era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
