Schans van Schilde, Military fortification in Schilde, Belgium

Schans van Schilde is a redoubt of the Antwerp Fortress, built in 1909 as part of the Hoofdweerstandstelling. It has an elongated plan about 65 m wide and covers over 2 hectares, surrounded by a 15 m moat. The walls are of unreinforced concrete 2.2 m thick, laid in broad horizontal bands with stepped, sloping faces; two dark openings and an overhanging slab sit on the right, with a metal railing along the top.

The Schans van Schilde was assigned for construction on 27 February 1909 as part of the Hoofdweerstandstelling, the main resistance line approved by the law of 30 March 1906. It saw action on 5 October 1914, firing maintenance fire against the Germans. On 9 October 1914 the retreating Belgian army abandoned and blew it up. It is now a protected monument.

The fort's concrete galleries now shelter about twenty hibernating bats each year, mostly Natterer's bats (Franjestaart). The site is a protected monument within the Antwerp defensive line, and the surrounding earthworks and anti-tank canal are used for walking and cycling. The name Schans refers to a small redoubt, smaller than a fort and without a peacetime garrison.

You can reach the site via Turnhoutsebaan or through the Antitankgracht, with cycling junctions 46 and 26 marking the main approaches. Visit during daytime hours to explore safely and minimize disturbance to the wildlife that inhabits the area.

The fort saw action only once: on 5 October 1914 it fired harassing rounds at German troops, and on 9 October the retreating Belgian army blew it up. Its concrete galleries now shelter around twenty hibernating bats each year, mostly Natterer's bats.