The fortress Diest

We are now close to the fortifications of Diest. These fortifications are special because they are still a visible pattern and remnant of 19th century fortification for one of the few Belgian cities. Already in the Middle Ages, Diest was surrounded by walls as one of the most important cities of the Duchy of Brabant.
The last important route that would form the city ring of Diest for centuries was built in the 14th century. Not much can be seen of these ramparts. In the late Austrian period, the demolition of the old vests began around 1788. A work that was completed during the French period. The medieval
Attrition will again be the basis for the new vests in the 19th century.

In 1831, a year after Belgian independence, the Dutch king William I tried to recapture our country. Without success. To thwart new attacks by the Dutch, Diest became a fortified city with a defensive belt. Construction lasted from 1837 to 1856. The ramparts we know today, together with Fort Leopold and the Citadel, are remnants of this 19th-century defensive belt.

Jan Rymenams