CASTLES LIÈGE

The Castle of Hollogne sits in a wooded area of the Geer valley in Hollogne-sur-Geer, Liège, Wallonia. The castle features brick construction with limestone ornaments, two stories, and cylindrical towers topped with a pitched roof and dormers. Originally controlled by Cornelimunster Abbey until the 13th century, the castle was destroyed during the medieval conflict between the Awans and Waroux families. Today, the remains include a round corner tower and rectangular structures likely dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, though the grounds are fenced and not open to visitors.

Fort de Hollogne is one of twelve concrete fortifications surrounding Liège, constructed between 1881 and 1884 according to General Henri Alexis Brialmont's revolutionary designs. Located approximately 7 kilometres west of central Liège near the city airport, this triangular fort features an innovative all-concrete construction rather than traditional masonry, representing a major technological advancement in military architecture. The garrison surrendered on August 16, 1914, after intense German bombardment during the Battle of Liège. Unlike several of its counterpart forts, Hollogne was never upgraded and retains its original Brialmont character, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into late 19th-century military engineering and strategy. Today it operates as a public museum preserving this important piece of Belgian military history.