Fort de Dave, Military fortress in Namur Province, Belgium
Fort de Dave is a triangular fortification in Namur Province that overlooks the Meuse River valley. A deep ditch system measuring about 6 meters deep and 8 meters wide surrounds the entire structure and formed a key defensive line.
Construction of the fort began in 1888 and concluded in 1892 under the direction of General Henri Alexis Brialmont. It was part of a comprehensive defensive system of nine fortifications designed to protect Namur and its strategic positions.
The fortress shows the shift from traditional stone construction to concrete in late 19th-century military building techniques. This construction method influenced fortifications across Western Europe and reveals how military building practices changed during that period.
The fort is currently closed to visitors due to its abandoned state and structural deterioration that make exploration unsafe without proper supervision. Those interested should view it from outside and check local facilities in Namur for additional information about the region's defensive history.
The fort housed multiple gun turrets, including a twin turret for 15cm guns and a single turret for 21cm guns. It also featured two additional twin turrets for 12cm weapons and several positions for 57mm cannons used for local defense.
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