Introduction
Lier is situated at the confluence of the Great and Little Nete rivers, southeast of Antwerp. Often referred to as "Little Bruges", this historic town boasts a rich cultural heritage and well-preserved medieval architecture. With a population of approximately 35,700 inhabitants, Lier offers visitors an suprising number of sights for a town of its size. The city centre, encircled by the River Nete, is home to notable landmarks such as the Gothic belfry, St. Gommarus's Church, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed béguinage. Lier is also known for its unique Zimmer Tower, featuring a multifaceted astrological clock, and its traditional beers and local delicacies. Despite its relatively small size, Lier provides an authentic Flemish experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil alternative to larger Belgian cities.
Interesting Facts about Lier
- Lier is nicknamed "Little Bruges" and "Little Pleasure Lier" due to its charming medieval architecture and pleasant atmosphere.
- The town's inhabitants are teasingly called "sheep's heads" (schappekopen in Flemish) for choosing a cattle market over a university when asked which one they wished for in the 14th century.
- Lier's Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site, consists of 11 alleys with 162 houses and dates back to 1258.
- The Zimmer Tower, originally part of the city wall, features an impressive astronomical clock with 12 dials showing various celestial and temporal cycles.
- In 1496, Lier's Saint Gummarus Church hosted the wedding of Philip I of Castile and Joanna of Castile, whose son became Emperor Charles V.
- The town is famous for its local delicacies, including Lierse vlaaikes (small sweet tarts) and Lierse Caves (a traditional fruit and herb liqueur).
- Lier was an important textile centre in the Middle Ages and was granted city rights in 1212.
- The town hall, built in 1740 in the Brabant Rococo style, features a magnificent painted ceiling from the bishop's palace in Antwerp.
- Lier is the birthplace of Felix Timmermans, one of the most famous Flemish writers, whose character Pallieter gave the town another nickname: "Pallierterstad".
- The city's belfry, built in 1369, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and contains a carillon of 23 bells installed in 1971.
History
Lier was probably founded in Roman times, but the first mention of its name doesn't come until the 7th century. The legend has it that Saint Gummarus (died 775), a nobleman from Carolingian king Pepin the Short (714-768)'s court, set his hermitage along Lier's River Nete.
Lier obtained its city charter in 1212. Not much happened there, except for being the birthplace of the not-so-famous-outside-Flanders painter Opsomer (1878-1967), ornamental smith Van Boeckel, writer Timmermans and clock-maker Zimmer.
Main Attractions
All the sights are concentrated in a compact area. Like most other Flemish towns, Lier has its late-medieval Grote Markt (town square) with a sumptuous Flemish-Rococo-style town hall and a an adjoining belfry (built in 1369). The Brabantine Gothic collegiate church dedicated to St Gummarus, the town's patron saint, also sits on the town square.
One of the most interesting monument is the 14th-century Zimmer tower (Zimmertoren), once part of the city wall and converted into an astronomical clock by Louis Zimmer in 1930. It has a central dial for time surrounded by 12 smaller dials showing he signs of the zodiac, the lunar and solar cycles, the 7 days of the week, 12 months of the year, seasons, tidal waves, and more ! Statues of the town's mayors and Belgian kings dong the bell every hour on the right side of the tower.
Inside the tower, a planetarium displays no less than 57 astronomic dials with some intriguing cogwheels. Note that Zimmer's astronomic clock was shown at the 1939 World Fair in New York.
The last important tourist attraction in town is the Beguinage (Begijnhof), considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country. Founded in the 13th century, it reached its apex in the 17th century, like many other beguinages in Belgium.
Local Cuisine
Be sure to try the famous Lier Vlaaike, a spicy pastry recognised as a regional product, which pairs perfectly with a cup of locally roasted Van Ouytsel coffee. For those with a penchant for spirits, sample the Lierse Caves, a traditional liqueur crafted from fruit, herbs, and spices. Beer enthusiasts will be pleased to find a variety of Lier beers to savour whilst relaxing on a cosy terrace. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in some Belgian frites from one of the local frites stalls, accompanied by a selection of delicious sauces. For a sweet treat, keep an eye out for the curious sheep's head-shaped food products, which add a whimsical touch to Lier's culinary landscape.
Getting There & Around
Lier is easily accessible by train, with frequent services from major Belgian cities. From Antwerp, it's a quick 15-minute journey, whilst direct trains from Brussels-North take about 35 minutes. Once in Lier, the compact city centre is best explored on foot, with most attractions within a short walking distance of each other. For those wishing to venture further, De Lijn operates local bus services throughout the city. Cycling is another popular option, with many cycle routes available to explore the surrounding areas and the Nete Canal towpath. However, do note that riding bicycles is not permitted in the market square. For tourists seeking information, the Visit Lier office, located on the first floor of the historic town hall on the Grand Place, provides comprehensive assistance in multiple languages.
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