Fort van Kessel, Military fortress in Kessel, Belgium
Fort van Kessel is a concrete fortification with a trapezoidal shape, surrounded by wide water-filled moats, and featuring underground chambers below ground level. A network of passages and galleries connects these rooms and tunnels throughout the structure.
Construction began in 1909 and finished in 1914, with the fort serving as part of Belgium's main defensive line. German troops captured it in October 1914 early in the war.
The fort reflects how Belgium viewed national defense before World War I. Walking through it, you see how the country prepared itself militarily and the scale of effort needed to protect its borders.
You can explore the fort during the warmer months, and guided tours are necessary to see the inner structures properly. It helps to book ahead and wear comfortable shoes since you will walk quite a bit inside.
During winter months, the fort becomes home to thousands of bats from multiple species. The thick concrete walls create perfect conditions for these animals to hibernate safely.
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