Curious how a medieval tower fits into the modern landscape of Brussels? The Black Tower holds secrets from the past.
Explore the stories of this hidden gem landmark!
A Legacy of
Brussels' First Walls
When you walk by the Saint Catherine Church area, you may spot the iconic and historic Black Tower, which has a story to tell. Built in the early 13th century as part of the original walls of Brussels, the tower was constructed to defend the city during a series of fortifications.
The walls of Brussels stretched 4 kilometers, from Saint-Géry Island, where the city was founded, to the Grand-Place, the first port on the Senne River, and other historical sites.
Why It Remains Survived Until Now?
When Brussels’ second walls were constructed at the end of the 14th century, the function of this tower became redundant. Historians believe it had by then become private property, which may explain why it survived so many centuries unharmed.
In the 16th century, unlike other sections of the wall that were demolished, the tower remained standing during the creation of a new dock for the inland port of Brussels, on the site where St. Catherine's Church is now located.
You can visit this site by taking metro lines 1 or 5 towards Sainte-Catherine/Sint-Katelijne or De Brouckère. It is also within walking distance from Grand-Place.
Image licensed by: Creative Commons
