the four lifts
states: [belgium]
category: cultural
year: 1998
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 50.4811100000, 4.1372200000
last visited: 2019
unesco id: 856
world heritage site: 856
The Four Lifts, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Belgium, are a remarkable example of 19th-century hydraulic engineering. Built between 1888 and 1917, these four boat lifts were designed to navigate a significant elevation change along a historic canal, using an innovative counterweight system to raise and lower vessels. Recognized by UNESCO in 1998, they remain the only lifts of their kind still in original working condition, offering insight into Belgium’s industrial past. Today, they serve recreational boats, preserving a unique piece of engineering heritage.
