Fortifications of Liège-Fort d'Ében-Émael

The first modern fortifications around Liège were constructed between 1880 and 1890 under the direction of Belgian General Henri Alexis Brialmont. These forts, situated about seven kilometers from the city center, were built using concrete and equipped with weaponry. In World War I, they were considered impregnable but were quickly overcome by German troops using "Big Bertha" cannons, which in the case of Fort Loncin ended in an explosion. During the interwar period, eight of the eastern, northern, and southern forts were rebuilt, while the western installations were decommissioned.