BELGIUM - LIER (60)
Lier is a Belgian city located in the province of Antwerp. The city is said to have been founded in the 11th century. In 1212, the Duke of Brabant Henri I granted an urban charter to the inhabitants. The fourteenth century was a period of prosperity for the city: construction of a cloth hall in 1367, a belfry in 1369 and a second rampart in 1389. The prosperity of the city was based on the drapery industry and on the existence of a cattle market, which had been granted to it by the Dukes of Brabant.
Grote Markt
Since the Middle Ages the Grand Place is the beating heart of Lier, which received civic rights in 1212. It has been the backdrop to small and big events for centuries, the weekly market, processions, parades, shows and high visits.
The triangular shape would indicate its Frankish origin.
In 1914, three quarters of the houses were destroyed. As if by miracle the Town Hall and the Belfry were only slightly damaged. After WWI some buildings were rebuilt in their original form, others in various neo-styles.
A large round “witch stone” (heksensteen) marks the spot where, according to a popular narrative, the last witch was burned at the stake in Lier. Until 1842 executions were carried out here.
BELGIUM - LIER (60)
Lier is a Belgian city located in the province of Antwerp. The city is said to have been founded in the 11th century. In 1212, the Duke of Brabant Henri I granted an urban charter to the inhabitants. The fourteenth century was a period of prosperity for the city: construction of a cloth hall in 1367, a belfry in 1369 and a second rampart in 1389. The prosperity of the city was based on the drapery industry and on the existence of a cattle market, which had been granted to it by the Dukes of Brabant.
Grote Markt
Since the Middle Ages the Grand Place is the beating heart of Lier, which received civic rights in 1212. It has been the backdrop to small and big events for centuries, the weekly market, processions, parades, shows and high visits.
The triangular shape would indicate its Frankish origin.
In 1914, three quarters of the houses were destroyed. As if by miracle the Town Hall and the Belfry were only slightly damaged. After WWI some buildings were rebuilt in their original form, others in various neo-styles.
A large round “witch stone” (heksensteen) marks the spot where, according to a popular narrative, the last witch was burned at the stake in Lier. Until 1842 executions were carried out here.