Hotel Florent Lier

Discover the heart of Lier

Lier is a picturesque town on the banks of the River Nete. It has a rich history dating back to Roman times and was an important medieval trading city and member of the Hanseatic League, an alliance of North-European merchant cities between the 12th and 17th century. It deserves its nickname Schoon Lier and Lierke Plezierke, for the city is known for its joy and relaxed charm.

Lier’s festive traditions, its giants, music, the famous Liers Vlaaike pastry, and its literary heritage with Pallieter, written by Felix Timmermans make it a truly special place. The historic centre radiates charm with its cobbled streets, cozy squares, and beautiful historic buildings. The Main Square (Grote Markt) is the heart of the city, surrounded by the Town Hall, the Saint Gummarus Church, and the former prison. Today, it’s a lively spot full of cafés, restaurants and terraces. The stunning Town Hall and belfry have dominated the square for centuries. Until the 15th century the Town Hall also served as the cloth hall. The belfry is even much older and today accommodates an automatic carillon.

The Wonder Clock in the Zimmer Tower

Lier is world-famous for its Zimmer Tower and Wonder Clock, created by local astronomer and royal clockmaker Louis Zimmer for the 1935 Brussels World Fair. The tower dates to the 14th century and was transformed in 1930 to house several of his clock masterpieces. You can observe the movements of our solar system, the rotation of the planets, and other inventions by Louis Zimmer in the adjacent museum.

The city Museum

The fascinating City Museum of Lier tells stories about the city and its people. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the edition of ‘Schoon Lier’ by Felix Timmermans — celebrated with an interactive walking map through the town and along its green banks, guided tours, and a special exhibition in the Stadsmuseum.

Enjoy walking & cycling

Enjoy the natural beauty of Lier and its surroundings with well-marked walking and cycling routes:

Walking trails:

Cycling trails:

In the footsteps of Felix Timmermans

You can also visit the Timmermans–Opsomer House, featuring the life and works of notable Lier figures like author Felix Timmermans, painter Isidoor Opsomer, and artistic blacksmith Louis Van Boeckel.

Unique Beguinage

Founded in 1258, the Beguinage of Lier covers about two hectares, with 162 houses along 11 narrow streets, some of which have been beautifully restored. Together with other Flemish Beguinages, the Beguinage of Lier was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The Beguinage of Lier is one of the three oldest in Brabant. Its church is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, patron saint of the Beguinage. This festive year the city opens two visitor’s locations in this beautiful Beguinage. In the nineties large parts of the Beguinage were restored and even today the city is still restoring other properties.

Experience Lier at your own pace

Lier is surrounded by greenery, perfect for beautiful walks or bike rides along the Nete River. The city’s old fortifications form a 5 km-long green belt along the Afleidingsvaart, the Kleine (small) and Grote (large) Nete river. An ideal trajectory for nature lovers who want to discover more of this lovely scenery.

You can also take a scenic boat trip on a traditional eel boat with the Royal Brave Boat Fishermen, offering a unique view of Lier’s hidden corners: https://www.bootjevareninlier.be

Food lovers will find plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants to enjoy local specialties such as the famous Liers Vlaaike for example. And on the market place in Lier you can discover the most beautiful local heritage shops. And also take a look at Nieuws Visit Lier | Visit Lier of 100 jaar Schoon Lier.

The “Sheep Heads” Monument

The people of Lier are nicknamed “Sheep Heads” (Schapenkoppen), a title dating back to Duke Jan II. Today the name “sheep head” is still a surname of the Lier inhabitants. Even the Lier logo displays a sheep’s head. A sculpture by local artist Bertro, depicting a shepherd and his sheep, stands in the Schapenkoppenstraat.

Taste a “Liers Vlaaike”

A visit of Lier is not complete without tasting a Liers Vlaaike, a spicy and sweet round pastry made with candy syrup and four spices. This pastry recipe is over 300 years old and is one of the oldest pastries in the region. In 1999 the “Order van the Liers Vlaaike” was founded and in 2007 it was recognized as a Flemish regional product and in 2013 it was recognized as a European regional product. For more information on the shops where you can buy a Liers Vlaaike: www.visitlier.be.

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