FORT DE HUY & ITS MUSEUM
Fort that became a memorial and museum of the Resistance and the concentration camps dedicated to the prisoners of the Second World War, with a beautiful view
As early as 890, a document mentions the presence of fortifications on this imposing rocky spur. Centuries later, aware of the strategic importance of this site near Liège, the Dutch government had a fortress built there in 1818. Never used, it was converted into a political prison in 1876. The city then bought the citadel back from the State, which reintegrated it into the Meuse defence system in 1914. From May 1940 and for four and a half years, it became one of the main sorting and detention centers for the Reich's enemies. More than 7,000 political prisoners were incarcerated here. Since 1992, it has been a memorial and museum to the Resistance and concentration camps, in memory of the prisoners of the Second World War.
In addition to the well of the former 12th-century château, restored under Erard de la Mark in the 16th century, visitors can see a series of rooms (cells, interrogation room, latrines, etc.) with educational panels and some thirty display cases explaining the conditions under which prisoners were held during the Second World War. The tour ends with a precious film featuring survivors' testimonies.
After the visit, you'll be glad to take in the panoramic view over the town of Huy and the surrounding area.
An escape game called "La grande évasion" (The Great Escape) lets you put yourself in the shoes of a Wehrmacht prisoner trying to escape. Since summer 2023, a second game, "Mission secrète au fort de Huy", has been available. Reservations required.
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