13 Must do’s in Lier | Belgium

Lier was always on my list to visit it. Here are my must do’s when in Lier.

1) Vesten

Lier used to have a 5km long city wall from the 15th century (~Vesten). Today you’ll find instead a 5 km long “groene gordel” where you can walk, jog, or bike alongside the Grote Nete, Kleine Nete, and the Afleidingsvaart.

2) Spui

Het Spui or Groot Spui is the only remaining building of the old city wall of Lier. Het Groot Spui was one of two locks between the Grote Nete and Kleine Nete. The lock house used to be part of the fortification of the city and to protect the mechanism that regulates the water level of the city.

3) Stadhuis

The town hall was a cloth hall before it was transferred to the Vleeshuis. The town hall of Lier is not the same as the one in Brussels or Bruges.

Fun Fact: During a renovation in 1740, the town hall and belfry (1369)became one building. 

4) Belfort

The Belfry of Lier (1369) is located next to the Cloth Hall and symbolizes freedom and independence. The Belfry tower has a small automatic carillon (1971) including 23 bells which plays a tune every 15 minutes. In the Middle Ages, there was a hurricane bell that was rung in case of emergency. The arsenal of weapons was also housed in the Belfry.

Fun Fact: The Belfry of Lier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5) Vleeshuis

The former Butchers’ guild house (Vleeshuis, 1418) was once used as a cloth hall, district court and prison. Due to its many usages, the Vleeshuis has had many facades. The current facade is neo-Gothic from 1920. The two stone lions used to be at the town hall. The inscription S.P.Q.L. (Senatus Populusque Lyrensis) stands for “the Senate and the people of Lier”. Anno 2021, the Vleeshuis is an exhibition space.

6) Schapenkoppenmonument

The sheep’s head monument shows a shepherd keeping watch over a small flock of sheep. According to legend, Hertog Jan II would have given the city a reward as thanks for the help in his war with the Malines. The people of Lier could choose between a cattle market or a university. Lier opted for the cattle market.

7) Zimmer toren

The life’s work of Louis Zimmer is exhibited in the Zimmer Tower. The tower (14th century) was part of the first city wall and was converted in 1930 to house the Astronomical studio and clocks by Zimmer. The “Wonderklok” displays time in various ways. 

8) Gevangenenpoort

When facing the Zimmer Tower, turn around and walk straight to the Gevangenenpoort. In 1375, the prison gate was part of the city walls. It housed prisoners from the 16th century – 1930. 

9) Begijnhof

A Begijnhof is a place where women live in a community but not in a religious way (so no nuns). Very popular in the 13th century. This Beguinage is one of the biggest in Belgium. 

Fun Fact: The Begijnhof of Lier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10) Stadspark

Rest from your trip at the park, where you can stroll along the pond with white pedestrian bridges and enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

11) Sint-Gummaruskerk

The construction of the St. Gummarus Church took 2 centuries to complete. This allows you to see 3 different architectural styles in the church: Gothic, baroque and rococo.

12) Deense Poort

The Danish Gate is a remnant of the “Court of Denmark”. The Danish king, King Christian II, had been deposed from his throne and spent six years in exile here during the 16th century.

 13) Fort van Lier

The fort was built from 1873 to 1883 to defend the Antwerp-Aachen railway, the Berlaarsesteenweg, and the Aarschotsesteenweg. The fort was occupied by the German army during WW1. Striking detail: the access bridge was undermined with dynamite, but not blown up.

Today the fort hosts many associations, such as shooting, an archery guild, a radio association, and a fishing club. The area within the moat is only accessible to members and visitors of the established clubs. The fort is 3km away from Lier city. 

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