The 16th Century Star Forts of Lillo and Liefkenshoek

These lesser-known forts are remnants of the Eighty Years War: now surrounded by modern industry in Antwerp.

After the Spanish Fury ransacked the powerful city of Antwerp in 1576, public sentiment changed. A Calvinist city government came to power, placing the city, arguably, in the hands of the rebels.

Strategically located on the Scheldt River not far from the North Sea, access to Antwerp would need to be guarded – or controlled. Construction on Forts Lilo and Liefkenshoek began in 1579 on the orders of William of Orange.

The forts fell to Royalist forces in 1584 during the reconquest of rebel territories lead by Alxeandre Farnese, the Duke of Parma. However, after Parma finally took the city of Antwerp, the forts would be re-captured by the Dutch rebels, remaining a thorn in the side of Spanish trade in the region through the decades to come.

Today, the berms and moats of both star forts remain, though now surrounded by the industrial works of the modern world. Lillo is now a micro-sized neighborhood, while on the other side of the river, Liefkenshoek has been restored to its Napoleonic period appearance, complete with a museum.

But for me? I’d be hard-pressed not to step on the berms and imagine the sails of ships and banners flying from dense blocks of pikemen from four hundred years ago.

Find out more about the museum and tours at Forts Liefkenshoek and Lillo at fortliefkenshoek.be!