Because Diest played an important role in the defense of the newly established kingdom of Belgium, the city was gradually surrounded by a polygonal fortification, twelve bastions and deep moats in 1837-1844.
However, the hills in the north of the city between Schaffen and Molenstede formed a weak link in the defense.
In order to protect the roads to Beringen, Tessenderlo and Turnhout and the terrain between the Schaffense and Hasseltsepoort, the small Fort Leopold (with 94 rooms) was built on the Lazarijberg.
It would also form a buffer against a possible enemy attack from the Kempen.
The fort therefore had a double mission: on the one hand to prevent the city from being shelled from the plateau in front, and on the other hand to protect the northern city front from a possible attack. In order to keep the area under fire on all sides, a two-storey tower fort was chosen on a circular floor plan with the open throat side facing the city.
| | Public | Dutch
Select one of the most popular activities below or refine your search.
Discover the most beautiful and popular trails in the area, carefully bundled into appropriate selections.
Select one of the most popular categories below or be inspired by our selections.
Discover the most beautiful and popular attractions in the area, carefully bundled in appropriate selections.
With RouteYou, it's easy to create your own customised maps. Simply plot your route, add waypoints or nodes, add places of interest and places to eat and drink, and then easily share it with your family and friends.
Route planner
<iframe src="https://plugin.routeyou.com/poiviewer/free/?language=en&params.poi.id=7312230" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Try this feature for free with a RouteYou Plus trial subscription.
If you already have such an account, then log in now.
More than 8,500,000 routes
More than 15,000,000 users
More than 4,200,000 points of interest
Kerkstraat 108
9050 Gentbrugge, Belgium
© 2006-2024 RouteYou - www.routeyou.com
