België - Lier

Lier is a town with 38,000 inhabitants located at the confluence of the Grote Nete and Kleine Nete rivers. The Binnennete, a closed section of the Kleine Nete, runs through the town centre. No wonder Lier is known as the “Netestad”.

Lier has a rich history and was already inhabited in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, it was an important trading town and a member of the Hanseatic League. Today, Lier is best known for its picturesque town centre with its charming squares, narrow streets and historic buildings.

The inhabitants of Lier are also known as “schapenkoppen” (sheep heads). This nickname comes from a legend in which Duke John II wanted to thank the inhabitants for their contribution to the battle against Mechelen in the 14th century. As a reward, the city council could choose between a university or a cattle market. The council chose the cattle market (the university came a little later in Leuven). The duke is said to have remarked, “Oh, those “schapenkoppen” , in response to this choice.