Archaeologists have discovered a medieval part of the harbour on the Scheldt quays in Antwerp: they found the remains of the city wall and the medieval mooring place "Bierwerf" as well as walls and floors of the harbour houses that were built against the city wall.
The Scheldt quays are currently being redeveloped. During the archaeological investigation, the medieval landing site "Bierwerf" was found – one of the most important places where ships anchored in the Middle Ages, from 1200 onwards.
"The Bierwerf was part of the port activity on the Scheldt for centuries," Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever told VRT. "The Scheldt city was then an important economic and cultural centre. Traditionally, beer was unloaded here by beer ships."
Due to the flourishing trade, the moorings were continually enlarged and the gates were renewed. Due to the adjustments under the French occupation and the straightening of the Scheldt quays at the end of the 19th century, the imposing facade and the well-known roadside view disappeared. "The few remains of this are therefore an important last witness of the medieval quay line of Antwerp," said De Wever.
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Archaeologists also uncovered remains of the oldest city wall, dating back to the 1300s, as well as a corner pillar of the Great Bierpoort – the gate through which Napoleon entered Antwerp.
"It is here that Napoleon first set foot in Antwerp in 1803," Antwerp city councillor for urban development and the port Annick De Ridder told VRT. "He ultimately turned Antwerp into a truly modern port and had the very first harbour dock built there. It is now up to the design team to see if and how the archaeological finds of city walls and gates could be incorporated into the design of this part of the quay plain."
This weekend, passers-by can take a look at the archaeological remains, which have in the meantime been documented as well as possible. The research pits will be filled in from Monday.
More information can be found on the website.
