Fort Breendonk was a built in 1906 as a stronghold for the Belgium military.  This fortress was constructed to defend Belgium against a German invasion.  Unfortunately Fort Breendonk was attacked by the Germans on October 1, 1914 and was forced to surrender.  Later, during World War II, the Nazis transformed Fort Breendonk into a prison camp.  On September 20, 1940 the first prisoners arrived.  

Fewer than 4,000 prisoners in total were confined in Breendonk during its existence.  

Fort Breendonk was finally liberated on September 20, 1944.  It remains today as a memorial to all of those who suffered here at Breendonk.

A cute little hat store, I would have bought one but was too intimidated to 

go inside where I saw them serving wine and the little girl was

 getting her hat fitted.  I think it may have been out of my price range!

Steen Castle in Antwerp

Carolus Borromeus Church (Baroque Architecture)

Exterior of Borromeus Church

Antwerp Statue

Just to give you all a little background, this statue is said to be representational of Silvius Brabo, a mythical Roman soldier who is said to have killed a giant, called Druon Antigoon, who asked money from people who wanted to pass by the river Scheldt.  When they didn't want to pay, he cut off their hand and threw it in the river.  Because of this Brabo also removed the hand of the giant and threw it away.  Antwerp literally means hand throwing.  The statue is 

located in front of the Antwerp City Hall.

A quaint little garden in Antwerp

Aren't we cute : )

Only some of the soccer fields at the sports complex.

Grass tennis courts

another practice soccer field and track

Our backyard!

another view

and another view!

St. Pieter's Church located at Grote Markt

(center of Leuven)