Walking in Lier, city on the water

Felix Timmermans was born on July 5, 1886 as the thirteenth of fourteen children. Already at the age of 17 he published for the first time in"Vlaamsche Arbeid\\\". At first he wrote rather gloomy works. But after a serious illness, the tide turned and"Pallieter\\\" (1916) flowed from his hand, an ode to life. Meanwhile, the words"pallieter\\\" and"pallieteren\\\" have even been included in the official dictionary of the Dutch language! In 1922 he received the Triennial State Prize for Flemish Literature for his short story"The very beautiful hours of Juffrouw Symforosa begijntjen\\\". His work has been published in 27 languages. In 1947 he died of heart failure and left behind an impressive oeuvre.

With Timmermans by Lier

The beguinage was a great source of inspiration for Timmermans. Next to Saint Margaret's Church is the statue of the graceful Symforosa. She is the main character in the short story'The very beautiful hours of Miss Symforosa, beguine\\\'. Then, at the separation of the Grote and Kleine Nete, you come across the memorial plaque for Timmermans, which was placed 50 years after his death. Of course you should not miss his birthplace, at Heyderstraat 30. You will also come across an abundance of references while walking: the statue'Paard van Pallieter\\\', the statue of Pallieter himself, café Pallieter, .. .

Pallieting along the water

In addition to cobbled streets, the Zimmertoren and pleasant shopping streets, Lier also has a 5 km long city wall. This green belt embraces the city and it is wonderful to stroll along the Nete on sunny days. Fancy a culinary pleasure? Then go for a cup of locally roasted coffee accompanied by a Liers Vlaaike. A day you simply cannot miss!