Fort 7

Fort 7 is one of eight brick forts built as part of the outer defensive ring that once surrounded Antwerp, and today it lies within the municipality of Borsbeek in the Belgian province of Antwerp, in the Flemish region. It formed part of the so-called Great Rampart, an earthen belt several kilometres long that was meant to turn the city into a national stronghold in case of war.

Why did Antwerp need a ring of forts?

After Belgium gained independence in 1830, the government feared a future conflict, most likely with the Netherlands or France. Since the country lacked natural terrain features that could support a nationwide defense, planners decided against defending the whole territory and instead concentrated on a single heavily fortified stronghold. Antwerp was chosen for strategic, political, and economic reasons to become that national redoubt.

Who designed Fort 7, and when was it built?

The overall fortification plan was drawn up by military engineer Captain Henri Alexis Brialmont. In 1859 the Belgian government decided to build a new rampart around the city, and construction of Fort 7 itself took place between 1860 and 1864, the same year the whole rampart and its ring of forts were completed. Fort 7 was one of eight nearly identical brick forts in this advanced ring.

What makes Fort 7 stand out from the other forts in the ring?

A distinctive feature of Fort 7 is that its earthen walls are higher than those of the other forts in the ring. This is likely because the groundwater level at the site is higher, meaning the surrounding moat had to be dug deeper, which in turn produced more earth for building up the ramparts. The fort has an irregular, star-shaped layout and is considered one of the best-preserved fortifications along Antwerp's entire defense belt, retaining many historical elements, including its original entrance gates.

Can visitors explore Fort 7 today?

Fort 7 is not freely open to the public. The site includes ecologically valuable habitats as well as genuinely dangerous spots, so access is restricted. Today the fort functions as a nature reserve and a habitat for bats, and it can only be entered under the guidance of nature guides, typically as part of organized educational visits.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Fort 7 located? In the municipality of Borsbeek, in the province of Antwerp, right next to the runway of Antwerp International Airport.

When was Fort 7 built? Between 1860 and 1864, as part of the ring of forts designed by Captain Henri Alexis Brialmont around Antwerp.

Is Fort 7 open to tourists? Not fully — because of its ecological value and hazardous areas, entry is only possible with a guide, since the site now serves as a nature reserve.

What is architecturally distinctive about the fort? Its unusually high earthen ramparts, likely caused by a high local groundwater level, along with its irregular, star-shaped fortification layout.