The Fort of Flémalle is one of 12 forts that made up the fortified position of Liège at the end of the 19th century. It was built between 1888 and 1892 according to the plans of General Brialmont. The fort was heavily bombarded during the First World War during the Battle of Liège and at the beginning of the Second World War. It has been preserved and turned into a museum.
Galerie photos
Flamenc, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History
Fort Flémalle was built by Brialmont in 1880 and served as a stronghold against invaders during World War I. However, it surrendered on August 16, 1914, following threats that it would suffer the same fate as Loncin, which had been taken the day before.
The Germans occupied the fort and modified it to improve its efficiency and security. After the war, the fort was abandoned until 1929, when a new ventilation tower was dug under the old one to supply the building with fresh air.
Today, a non-profit association supported by the municipality is responsible for promoting the site, which recalls the difficult but heroic moments that took place there.
Visits
Almost the entire fort is open to the public, with educational panels presenting the evolution of military technology during the two wars, weapons, machinery, and firing calculation methods.
Guides accompany visitors around the fort to discover the life of the soldiers. It is also possible to explore part of the 1,700 meters of galleries connected to the fort. The tower, connected to the fort by an underground passage, was built between the two world wars and served as a ventilation and watchtower.
Since 2014, it has been home to a contemporary art installation by Lebanese artist Marie Zolamian, who created a series of engravings depicting the days of waiting endured by the imprisoned soldiers.
The museum also has an interesting collection of weapons and military equipment.
