Lier Attractions
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.
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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Begijnhof
The Lier begijnhof is known to be one of the loveliest in the country, characterized by small cottages and narrow lanes.
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Sint-Gummaruskerk
The Sint-Gummaruskerk was started in the 15th C and took over 300 years to complete.
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Zimmertoren
The Zimmertoren is noted for its clock dating from the early 20th C that features an ornate façade.
Museum Timmermanns-Opsomer
The Timmermans-Opsomer Museum, situated to the right of the bridge over the Nete next to the Zimmertoren, commemorates four artists born in Lier. The first is the author Felix Timmermans, who was also active as a musician and painter; several rooms are dedicated to him and his works such as "Pallieter".
Also on view is the studio of the painter Baron Opsomer, van Boeckel's forge and memorabilia of the Flemish composer Renaat Veremans, who also composed texts for Felix Timmermans.
Also on view is the studio of the painter Baron Opsomer, van Boeckel's forge and memorabilia of the Flemish composer Renaat Veremans, who also composed texts for Felix Timmermans.
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | 10:00 | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||
| Open | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | ||
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | ||||||
| Open | 13:30 | ||||||
| Close | 16:00 |
Museum Wuyts van Campen en Baron Caroly
Not far to the west of the market No. 14 Cauwenberghstraat houses the Museum Wuyts van Campen en Baron Caroly (Stedelijk Museum) which has a notable collection not only of Dutch and Flemish, but also of French and Spanish masters as well as contemporary works. Among the artists represented are Jan and Peter Bruegel the Younger, Rubens, van Dyck, Floris ("Berchem family"), Poussin, Lorrain and Murillo; the Modernists are represented by Permeke, de Vlaminck, de Braekeleer and Opsomer and de la Haye from Lier.
