Black Tower: A Medieval Relic in Brussels

The Black Tower, known as Tour Noire in French and Zwarte Toren in Dutch, is a captivating vestige of medieval Brussels. Constructed in the early 13th century, it formed part of the city's initial defensive walls. These walls stretched approximately 4 kilometers, safeguarding the medieval city. As Brussels expanded, a second set of walls was erected in the late 14th century, rendering the Black Tower's original function obsolete. Historians believe the tower then became private property, which explains its survival through the centuries. In the 16th century, it was transformed into a tavern called 'In the Tower'. The tower remarkably remained intact during the creation of a new dock for the inland port. In 1888, then-mayor Charles Buls intervened to save the tower from demolition during a street sanitation project. Architect Victor Jamaer restored the structure, reconstructing its gable and roof. Today, the Black Tower is surrounded by modern buildings, including a hotel, creating a unique juxtaposition of medieval and contemporary architecture. A plaque near the tower commemorates its historical significance. While visitors cannot enter the Black Tower, they can explore its exterior and appreciate its historical presence in the heart of Brussels. The surrounding area offers a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions.