Fortress 3

Fort 3 has seen better days. It is now mainly used as a warehouse and recreation area. The Zoomweg around the Fort, which we will follow, gives an idea of the 35 hectares of land that each fort possessed. A painting from 1863 shows that Fort 3 is the only fort that was built according to the original Brialmont concept.

Until World War I, the occupancy of an average fort was about 7 to 800 men, and during mobilization this could be increased to 2000 soldiers.
During World War II, Fort 3 was taken by the German occupying forces, who adjusted the machine guns of the planes on this domain. After all, the Germans had housed their aircraft factory 'Erla Werken' in the Antwerp Minerva factory. In order to be able to take off from Antwerp, they also laid the first real concrete runway at the airport of Deurne. In 1944 the fort was heavily damaged by V2 flying bombs.

The domain now serves as a relaxation area for many residents of Borsbeek, the 32-hectare domain is ideal for walks in partly unspoilt nature.
The wild aspect of greenery here and there is a deliberate choice, in order to promote the preservation and restoration of natural biotopes. Above all, the entire fortress is a green lung for the entire area and a perfect barrier against the ever-expanding city. The main front building and the capponières, together with the fort moat and a plot outside the moat, are managed by Natuurpunt vzw.
The buildings are important as a hibernation site for about 150 bats.

Brackie