Fort Merksem

The Fort of Merksem, constructed in 1876 as part of Antwerp's defensive ring, was designed by French military engineer Henri Brialmont. This 32-hectare fortification played a crucial role during the 1914 Siege of Antwerp, when Belgian forces deliberately damaged it rather than allow it to fall into German hands on October 9, 1914. The fort again saw action during World War II under both German and Allied control. After serving as a military area until 1972, the fort became public property in 1977 and was transformed into a recreational space managed by the municipality of Merksem. Today it features sports fields, allotments, and hosts various local associations, blending historical preservation with community use.