Interregional Station (bicycle rental at station)
Location
The town of Lier (French Lierre), birthplace of the popular Flemish author Felix Timmermans (1886--1947) and other well known artists including the painter Isidoor Opsomer, is situated 17km/11 mi southeast of Antwerp at the confluence of
the Grote and Kleine Nete. Lier is the gateway to the region of Kempen and is nicknamed "Lierke Plezierke" (Lively Lier), on account of its colorful folklore.
The economy of the town is based on the textile industry with its old and famous traditions of silk spinning, lace making and embroidery. Also important are some recently introduced industries including the manufacture of synthetic fibres and the production of building materials near the Nete canal, which provides a waterway between Lierand Antwerp for vessels up to 1350 tonnes. Many people commute daily between Lier and Antwerp.
Culinary specialties of the town are Lierse Vlaaikes (sweet tarts with candy).
The origins of the town can be traced back to a hermitage founded in 760. In the early Middle Ages the town was known for its cloth making and received its town charter as early as 1212. It was fortified in the late Middle Ages and its fortifications resisted all enemy attacks until 1784 when they were razed but rebuilt in 1830. During the First World War the town held a key strategic position and was often heavily shelled.
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