Fort Ében-Émael
Fort Eben-Emael (French: Fort d'Ében-Émael, French pronunciation: [fɔʁ debɛn emal]) is an inactive Belgian fortress located between Liège and Maastricht, on the Belgian-Dutch border, near the Albert Canal, outside the village of Ében-Émael. It was designed to defend Belgium from a German attack across the narrow belt of Dutch territory in the region. Constructed in 1931–1935, it was reputed to be impregnable and at the time, the largest in the world.
| Fort Eben-Emael | |
|---|---|
Fort d'Ében-Émael | |
| Part of Fortified Position of Liège | |
| Eben-Emael, Belgium | |
"Maastricht 2" one of Fort Eben-Emael's casemates. | |
Fort Eben-Emael | |
| Coordinates | 50.79755°N 5.67899°E |
| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Belgium |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Preserved |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1932–35 |
| Built by | Belgian Army |
| Materials | Reinforced concrete, deep excavation, rock excavation |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Belgium |
The fort was neutralized by glider-borne German troops (85 men) on 10–11 May 1940 during the Second World War. This was the first strategic airborne operation using paratroopers ever attempted in military history. The action cleared the way for German ground forces to enter Belgium, unhindered by fire from Eben-Emael. While still the property of the Belgian Army, the fort however has been preserved as a museum and may be visited.