Grote Markt

Lier's central square is fronted by the Gothic town hall (Stadhuis), which dates from the late 16th century and is one of the best-preserved civic buildings in the province. The facade is decorated with stone pilasters and topped by a small belfry. Terrace cafes fill the square in summer, and the market on Friday mornings draws locals from the surrounding villages.

A bronze sheep — a nod to the Schapenkoppenstad nickname — stands near the Zimmer Tower, a short walk from the square. The Grote Markt is the natural starting point for exploring the old town: the Zimmer Tower, the Sint-Gummarus Church, and the Beguinage are all within five minutes' walk.

things to do sight
A story
The Grote Markt's "witches stone" (heksensteen), placed in 1974, marks the traditional site where Lier's last witch was executed — though no documentary evidence confirms the exact location. The town also bears the nickname "Schapenkoppenstad" (City of Sheep Heads) from a story about 14th-century townspeople who, in a dispute with the Bishop of Liège, supposedly ate a flock of sheep that had been entrusted to their care.