Fort d'Embourg 2.36

The Fort d'Embourg is one of twelve forts built as part of the fortifications of Liège in the late 19th century in Belgium. It was built between 1881 and 1884 according to the plans of General Henri Alexis Brialmont. Contrasting with the French forts built in the same era by Raymond Adolphe Séré de Rivières, the fort was built exclusively of unreinforced concrete, a new material, rather than masonry. The fort was heavily bombarded by German artillery in the Battle of Liège in World War I and again at the opening of World War II. It has been preserved and is operated as a museum.DescriptionThe Fort d'Embourg is located about 7km southeast of the center of Liège, on the heights above the community of Chaudfontaine, overlooking the Vesdre valley.The fort was built as an irregular rectangle, in contrast to most Brialmont forts, which were triangular. A 6m deep by 8m ditch encircles the fort. The principal armament was concentrated in the central massif. The ditches were defended in enfilade by 57mm guns in casemates resembling counterscarp batteries, firing at shot traps at the other end of the ditch. The fort is one of the smallest Liège forts. Embourg is more elevated above the surrounding country than most of the Liège forts, overlooking the Ourthe and Vesdre valleys and controlling the road from Liège to Spa.