Archaeological research is currently being carried out in the South neighbourhood of Antwerp ahead of the redevelopment of Verschansingstraat and Pourbusstraat. During the excavations, remains of significant structures have been uncovered, including barracks from the 16th-century citadel of the Duke of Alba (Alva) and from its final 19th-century reconstruction. Numerous ammunition finds point to the site’s turbulent military past. Passers-by can view the excavations until this weekend.
The archaeological research is being conducted by RAAP on behalf of the Flemish Government’s Heritage Agency, in collaboration with the City of Antwerp’s archaeology department.
Military past
During the excavations, well-preserved remains of the original 16th-century barracks of the citadel were discovered. One of these barracks also served in the 18th century as the residence of the citadel’s governor. Wall remains of the arsenal, including its armoury, have also been preserved, as well as the remains of several water reservoirs.
Archaeologists also found various cannonballs, mortar shells, and parts of muskets. These ammunition finds likely date from the heavy bombardment of the citadel in 1832 by the allied French army, when the fortress was still occupied by Dutch troops.
The most recent finds date from the 19th century. These include a Belgian army barracks built in 1852. At that time, the citadel formed part of the fortified defensive ring around Antwerp, known as the Entrenched Camp, consisting of ramparts, forts, and defensive lines designed to protect the city from enemy attacks. The layout of the barracks, including rooms, floors, and window openings, has been remarkably well preserved.
Citadel
The Antwerp citadel was built between 1567 and 1572 by the Duke of Alba on the orders of Philip II, King of Spain, as an extension of the Spanish fortifications. The pentagonal fortress was intended both to defend and to control the city, and was quickly nicknamed the ‘coercion castle‘ by locals.
For more than three centuries, this five-hectare defensive structure dominated the southern edge of Antwerp. Each corner of the perfect pentagon featured a bastion, and it could house around 2,000 Spanish soldiers. In the 16th century, the citadel symbolised strict Catholic Spanish authority, standing in contrast to a self-confident city government that strongly supported religious tolerance, given Antwerp’s diverse Protestant communities.
Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA): “Anyone looking down here sees the foundations of one of the most charged places in Antwerp’s history: the citadel of the Duke of Alba, the South Castle. From here, Antwerp was both defended and controlled. And it was here, exactly 450 years ago, that the Spanish Fury began, setting our city ablaze. The discoveries now coming to light once again tell part of Antwerp’s story and its turbulent military past.”
Strategic stronghold during the Belgian Revolution
Years later, during Belgian independence, the citadel again played an important role. After Belgium became independent in 1830, Dutch troops remained stationed in the citadel, from where they bombarded the city.
In 1832, during the Siege of Antwerp, the fortress was heavily bombarded by allied French forces to force the Dutch army to surrender. In the span of a month, around 100,000 mortar shells and cannonballs were fired at the citadel. The Dutch army eventually surrendered, and the structure passed into Belgian hands. The citadel was subsequently restored and rebuilt.
Flemish Minister for Heritage Ben Weyts (N-VA): “Cannonballs from centuries ago suddenly make Antwerp’s story very tangible. It also captures the imagination that we have found well-preserved remains of the Duke of Alba’s coercion castle—a name that still resonates strongly. Finds like these truly bring our ancestors’ past back to life and help spark greater interest in our history among more people in Flanders.”
During the course of the 19th century, the citadel lost its military function with the construction of the larger Brialmont fortifications. It was ultimately demolished in 1874 to make way for the new South neighbourhood.
Redevelopment
The excavations were carried out in the context of a redevelopment project by the Antwerp district. Verschansingstraat and Pourbusstraat will be redesigned to be more climate-resilient and greener, serving as local cooling areas. Trees will be given more space to grow, and the streets will feature a separated sewer system with facilities for rainwater infiltration and collection.
More information
Local residents were able to register for guided tours of the site today in Pourbusstraat. The archaeological research will continue until March/April. Passers-by can view the remains of the citadel from the pavement and read explanatory panels at the construction fences at least until this weekend.
Currently visible are cellar remains of the governor’s residence and foundation remains of a second barracks. The areas of the citadel hospital and the western gate will also be investigated, though their state of preservation is not yet known.
More information about the citadel can be found at: https://www.antwerpenmorgen.be/nl/projecten/citadel/over.
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