Fort Steendorp corner southwest

In 1859, Antwerp was chosen as the centre of Belgian defence. The city of the Scheldt was converted into a strong fortress, surrounded by a large wall and defended by a belt of 8 forts. The fortress had to last long enough in the event of an invasion by one of the neighbors until the great powers came to help Antwerp.
Fort Steendorp was the last fort to be built in brick masonry in Belgium. It thus marks the end of eight centuries of brick construction in the service of fortifications.

Most expensive fort in Belgium

Fort Steendorp was the most expensive fort, built in Belgium until then. It was equipped with dry canals, exceptional in our region and unique in the fortress of Antwerp. The Fort did not have a great military history, but the two world wars left deep traces there.

Fort Steendorp has so far had four destinations:
a reinforcement
a military factory where, among other things, war gases were made
an army training ground
a nature reserve

Gregor Legein