These hidden ruins were built by the Germans during the war
A nature restoration project in Belgium stumbled upon a surprising discovery! While clearing invasive plants from General William Sparke’s Heist, crews discovered multiple bunkers, trenches and other structures dating back to World War II. According to one report, these hidden ruins were built by German troops during the war. Press Releases from district officials.
Officials discovered the hidden one-room bunker, constructed of extremely strong 3-foot-thick reinforced concrete. These underground spaces remain intact and are accessible via rooftop entrances. A photo reveals a somewhat neglected interior.
In addition to the bunker, excavations revealed two brick trenches, the remains of a concrete track that may have been used to transport wartime supplies and soldiers, and even a well. The process also uncovered large amounts of rubble, which contained fascinating glimpses into the past: everyday objects such as utensils and ammunition.
“These ruins aptly illustrate the frenzied attempts that have been made to completely erase the park’s war history,” officials said in a news release. “The lighter buildings were demolished and reduced to rubble, while the heavier bunkers were demolished. Layers of soil cover and hide them as if they never existed.”
Officials believe there may be more wartime structures hidden elsewhere in the park beyond the areas explored in this restoration project.
Officials said archaeologists from the National Heritage Agency were on site to oversee the restoration work. They mentioned that as discoveries were made, they carefully documented and mapped each discovery. However, after a thorough examination of the remains, they were later reburied under a layer of sand.
“No one disputes that war relics have heritage value, but that doesn’t mean every brick left behind by the war must be preserved,” officials said. The sand will preserve the remains into the future, according to a news release.
