At the confluence of the Grande and Petite Nèthe rivers, in the province of Antwerp, lies one of Flanders’ most beautiful treasures: Lier. With its picturesque facades and tranquil canals, the city reveals a heritage of inestimable richness, far fromthe hustle and bustle of city life. An invitation to a timeless journey to the heart of Lier’s roots, where the UNESCO-listed beguinage exudes its unique charm. The getaway then continues to the site’s iconic monuments before ending on a green note along the banks that encircle the city. A rejuvenating getaway where Flemish culture and unspoiled nature become one.
The Beguinage of Lier: a historic haven of peace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
To truly embrace the unique spirit of Lier, one must go back to the 13th century and the founding of the Beguinage, a gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, where time seems to have stood still. This “village within the city,” composed of eleven cobblestone alleys and 95 flower-adorned cottages, offers a rare authenticity preserved by time. Here, one discoversthe legacy of these pious and independent women who managed this community with admirable autonomy—a unique place whereSt. Margaret’s Church and the enclosed gardens still tell the story of this rich Flemish past.
The tour of Lier naturally extends to the banks of the Nèthe, where you’ll encounter “De Fortuin,” an imposing warehouse with colorful shutters whose successive uses—from a lemonade factory to a cabinetmaker’s workshop—bear witness to the local dynamism. From the Paardendrink, a former washhouse and horse trough, to the discovery of mammoth bones in the 19th century, every corner of this medieval town reveals a powerful historical legacy.
From the Grand-Place to the banks of the Nèthe: Lierre’s hidden gems
But the heart of Lier beats today on its Grand-Place, whereCity Hall stands alongside the elegant Belfry, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a few steps away, the Zimmer Tower captivates visitors with its Centennial Clock: a marvelous astronomical mechanism whose 13 dials display, among other things, the lunar cycles and the tides. Finally, the Saint-Gommaire Collegiate Church, a 14th-century Gothic gem, commands attention with its flamboyant stained-glass windows, a testament to the grandeur of this Flemish city.
The city of Lier also thrives in the open air, to the rhythm of the water, where its ancient ramparts have been transformed into a green belt known as the Vesten, offering an ideal route for cyclists and walkers. The banks of the Nèthe, meanwhile, invite you to take a cruise along the canals aboard traditional boats, revealing hidden views of the city’s gardens and bridges. Lier stands out as a rejuvenating getaway, blending monumental heritage and the art of living, less than an hour from Brussels.
