The Prisoners' Gate was built in 1375 as part of the first city walls. This gate is the only remaining part of the oldest defensive wall with 5 inner gates.
From the 16th century until 1930 the gate served as a prison, hence its current name.
The Gevangenenpoort (Prisoners' Gate), formerly known as the Eeckelpoort or Eikelpoort, is a Gothic city gate, later adapted with classical features (± 1728).
On the side of Begijnhofstraat, the original pointed arch has been preserved. On both sides there is a niche with the statues of St. Rochus and St. Margaret.
Part of the Prisoners' Gate is now used by the adjacent hotel.
The Prisoners' Gate is part of the central area of the beguinage, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most famous tower in Lier houses the Jubilee Clock, an ingenious clock with 13 different time displays, designed by Louis Zimmer.