Lier – Belgium’s Little Treasure

Lier is a charming Belgian town with cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. Here’s how to spend a day in Lier.

Herman Vandecauter and his wife recently jumped on their Vespas and zoomed off to pay a visit to the delightful town of Lier, and sent me their photos.

The Zimmer Tower

Your first port of call, and probably the most photographed point of interest in Lier, is the Zimmer Tower, a historical gem. It’s a monument steeped in history and cultural significance, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, science, and the architectural marvels of the past.

Originally named the Cornelius Tower, it dates back to the 14th century when it was part of Lier’s medieval fortifications, serving as a defensive structure to protect the town. The tower is one of the few remaining remnants of the original city walls, making it a significant historical monument in the region.

In the early 20th century, the tower underwent a transformation that would redefine and rename it. In 1930, to celebrate the centenary of Belgian independence, clockmaker Louis Zimmer gifted the town of Lier with a remarkable astronomical clock. The clock was installed on the tower, which was then renamed the Zimmer Tower in his honor.

The Astronomical Clock: A marvel of craftsmanship

The extraordinary astronomical clock on the front of the tower features 12 smaller clocks surrounding a central clock face. Each smaller clock represents different measurements of time and astronomical phenomena. These include the phases of the moon, the zodiac, the solar and lunar cycles, and the calendar.

The clock’s intricate mechanisms and detailed craftsmanship have made it a symbol of human ingenuity and a testament to Louis Zimmer’s legacy as a master clockmaker. The clock is so precise that it only requires adjustment once every 371 years.

The wonderful Wonder Clock

You can also pay a visit to Zimmer’s Wonder Clock which Zimmer designed and exhibited at the 1935 New York World Fair. It took Zimmer three years to make, which is not surprising as it’s an extraordinary construction, five meters high, two tons in weight, and comprises 93 small dials and 14 automata. The various clocks display the time divisions of the world, the movements of the planets, high and low tides in the world’s principal ports and dozens of other details.

This complex timepiece is still fully operational and is considered one of the finest examples of precision clockmaking in the world. The fastest clock hands revolve once around the dial in one-hundredth of a second, while the slowest rotates once every 26,000 years.  

Inside the Zimmer Tower Museum

Visitors to the Zimmer Tower can explore the small museum housed within it. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of timekeeping, showcasing various timepieces and mechanisms from different eras such as the clocks mentioned above.

The museum also features a collection of Zimmer’s scientific instruments, providing insight into the technological advances of the early 20th century.

A multimedia display further enhances the visitor experience, explaining the significance of the clocks and the science behind their operation. The museum not only serves as a tribute to Louis Zimmer but also as a broader exploration of the human quest to measure and understand time.

Visiting the Zimmer Tower

The Zimmer Tower is located in the heart of Lier, making it easily accessible by foot from other attractions in the town.

• Opening Hours: The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, with varying hours depending on the season. It is advisable to check the official Zimmer Tower website for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
• Admission Fees: There is a modest entry fee (currently 5 EUR) to visit the museum. Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors.
• Guided Tours: For those interested in a more in-depth understanding of the tower’s history and its clocks, guided tours are available in English, Dutch, French and German. These tours provide additional context and detail about the exhibits and the significance of the clocks.
• Getting There: Lier is well-connected by public transport, with regular train services from major cities like Antwerp and Brussels. Once in Lier, the tower is within walking distance from the main train station. The address is Zimmerplein, 2500 Lier.

Here are a few more suggestions for how to spend a day in Lier:

Begijnhof (Beguinage)

The Begijnhof of Lier is a serene and picturesque area with cobbled streets, quaint houses, and a historic church. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a peaceful escape and a chance to explore the lives of the Beguines, religious women who lived in these communities.

It is a typical 13th century street beguinage with 11 narrow streets and 95 small houses. The front doors of the houses feature the name of a saint or a biblical scene. Most of the houses date from the 17-18th century. Some of them have typical forecourts and gates.

Saint Gummarus Church

This impressive Gothic church, named after Lier’s patron saint, St. Gummarus, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its towering spires, intricate stained glass windows, and beautiful interior make it a must-see for history and art enthusiasts.

Inside the Church of Saint Gummarus you can admire one of the oldest and most valuable stained glass windows from the 15th century, and marvel at the impressive silver reliquary of St. Gummarus. Lier also has its own copy of the Shroud of Turin.

Lier Town Hall and Belfry

Lier’s Town Hall, with its ornate facade, was originally used as the Cloth Hall, before transferring its allegiance elsewhere and becoming the Butcher’s Hall. In 1740, the building was comprehensively rebuilt in Brabant rococo style.

The adjacent Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history and provides a great photo opportunity over the whole of the Grote Markt and Lier.

City Park (Stadspark)

A tranquil green space perfect for a leisurely stroll, Lier’s City Park features beautiful landscapes, ponds, and sculptures. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

City Museum (Stadsmuseum)

Discover the charm of Lier through the engaging exhibits at the Stadsmuseum. This interactive museum brings the town’s rich history to life, blending fascinating tales of the past with the personal stories of Lier’s residents.

Divided into themed sections, you can explore a variety of topics at you own pace. Learn about the town’s talented artists, uncover local traditions and folklore, and marvel at the impressive full-scale replica of a mammoth skeleton.

Vismarkt

The historic Vismarkt, or Fish Market, is a lively area along the River Nete, known for its charming atmosphere and historic buildings.

Today, it’s a popular spot for dining and socializing, offering a taste of Lier’s local culture. In the Vismarkt and elsewhere in the town you may come across old water pumps:

Gevangenpoort

The Gevangenpoort, or Prison Gate, is the last remaining gate of the medieval city walls. It’s a fascinating piece of Lier’s history and provides an excellent backdrop for photos.

Take a boat cruise

Take a scenic boat ride along the Binnennete on the former eel barges of the Koninklijke Moedige Bootvissers (Royal Company of Brave Boat Fishermen), offering a glimpse of Lier’s hidden gems. These flat-bottomed boats, once used for the unique local method of eel fishing, have been converted for tourist trips since 1981.

Today, the boats are powered by electric motors and named after historical figures or characters from Lier, to give you both a peaceful journey and a connection to the town’s past.

Where to stay in Lier

Obviously, with so much to see in Lier, and it being so close to Antwerp and all there is to see in Antwerp’s historic city center, you may want to stay in the region for a few days. As I have always enjoyed the coziness and personal touch of a B&B compared to a chain hotel, here are some highly recommended B&Bs in and around Lier that you might like to consider:

• B&B Castellier,  Schollebeekstraat 4a, 2500 Lier
• B&B Handelshof,  Leopoldplein 47, 2500 Lier
• B&B Het Museum, Brandestraat 15a, 2590 Berlaar
• B&B Altijd Zomer, 53 Dennenlaan, 2560 Nijlen
• B&B Vennehoeve, Vennehoeveweg 20, 2531 Vremde

To find other accommodation in the area, you could also use this link:

Now on GPSmyCity

This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Lier on GPSmyCity.

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.