Spuihuis, Gothic sluice house in Lier, Belgium.
The Spuihuis is a sluice house located where the Binnennete river begins, combining Gothic architectural elements with classicist details in its stone walls. The structure blends water management features with defensive elements typical of its medieval period.
Built between 1508 and 1516 by architects Antoon I and Antoon II Keldermans, it remains the only surviving structure from Lier's second city wall. This construction coincided with the city's efforts to modernize its defenses and improve water management systems.
The building now serves as home to the Sociëteit van de Schaepshoofden, an organization that hosts cultural events within its historic walls. This active use keeps the place alive and connects visitors to local traditions and community life.
The building can be viewed from outside and is located in a central area of the city that is easily accessible on foot. The site is best explored during daylight hours to fully appreciate the fine details of the stone facade and architectural features.
The building originally served a dual purpose as both a sluice and part of the city's defense system, a practical solution common in medieval urban design. This combination of fortification and water management in a single structure reveals how cities ingeniously solved multiple challenges with one building.
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