Journey Jots

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Journey Jots
Journey Jots
Belgium’s Industrial Masterpieces: The Canal du Centre Boat Lifts

Belgium’s Industrial Masterpieces: The Canal du Centre Boat Lifts

UNESCO Sites in Belgium: The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut) (visited 08/2024)

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Gabi of Journey Jots
Aug 20, 2024
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Journey Jots
Journey Jots
Belgium’s Industrial Masterpieces: The Canal du Centre Boat Lifts
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Lift no. 2 Houdeng-Aimeries (source: Adobe Express Stock Gallery)

I originally published this text as Engineering Wonders in Wallonia: The Canal du Centre Lifts on the Medium platform.


Belgium is famous for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture; however, it is also home to remarkable achievements in industrial engineering. Among these are boat lifts on the Canal du Centre ― of the eight hydraulic boat lifts constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these four lifts are the only ones in the world that remain fully operational in their original condition.

I visited the Hainaut region this August (2024) and will share my experience, impressions and practical information.


Canal du Centre (source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/856/©M&G_Therin-Weise)

About the site

The Canal du Centre’s boat lifts in the province of Hainaut were instrumental in navigating the significant elevation changes of the canal, linking the Meuse and Scheldt rivers.

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