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The Black Tower: A Medieval Relic in Brussels

Discover the Black Tower, a striking medieval remnant amidst modern Brussels, offering a unique glimpse into the city's fortified past.

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The Black Tower (Tour Noire/Zwarte Toren) is a medieval tower dating back to the 13th century, a remnant of Brussels' first fortifications. Surrounded by modern buildings near Sainte-Catherine Square, it offers a glimpse into the city's past.

A brief summary to Black Tower

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the tower.
  • Explore the nearby Plaza Sainte-Catherine for local dining options and artisan shops.
  • Walk around the tower to see the windows and stairs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grand Place, walk approximately 10 minutes north towards Place Sainte-Catherine. The Black Tower is located behind the Church of St. Catherine. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Take metro lines 1 or 5 to Sainte-Catherine/Sint-Katelijne station. Exit the station and walk towards the Church of St. Catherine; the Black Tower is located behind it. A single metro fare is approximately €2.10.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Brussels Central Station, a taxi or ride-share to the Black Tower will typically cost between €10-€15, depending on traffic. The journey usually takes around 10 minutes. The tower is located on the Place Sainte-Catherine.

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Discover more about Black Tower

The Black Tower, known in French as Tour Noire and in Dutch as Zwarte Toren, is a captivating vestige of medieval Brussels. Constructed in the early 13th century, it formed part of the city's initial fortifications, designed to protect against invasion. These original walls stretched approximately 4 kilometers around the medieval city. As Brussels expanded, a second set of walls was erected in the late 14th century, rendering the Black Tower's defensive function obsolete. Historians believe the tower then became private property, which explains its survival through the centuries. In the 16th century, it remarkably remained untouched during the creation of a new dock for the inland port, where the Church of St. Catherine now stands. For a time, the tower even served as a tavern called 'In the Tower'. In 1888, Mayor Charles Buls intervened to save the tower from demolition during a street sanitation project. Architect Victor Jamaer restored the structure, reconstructing the gable and roof. Today, a plaque commemorates its historical importance. Though you cannot enter the tower, it remains a striking landmark, surrounded by contemporary buildings, including a hotel, offering a unique contrast of medieval and modern Brussels. The Black Tower is also featured in a Nero comic book, adding a touch of local pop culture to its storied past.

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