Halle Gate

Geschiedenis

The Halle Gate or Porte de Hal or Hallepoort is a medieval fortified city gate of the second walls of Brussels. It is now a museum, part of the Royal Museums for Art and History.HistoryBuilt in 1381, Halle Gate is a 14th-century city gate from the second set of defensive walls that enclosed Brussels. The gate was named for the city of Halle (Hal) in Flemish Brabant which it faces.The original gate included a portcullis and drawbridge over a moat. The structures that housed these are still visible.While the other six gateways and the defensive walls were demolished, the Halle Gate survived as it was used as a prison. It was at other times used as a customs house, for grain storage, and a Lutheran church.19th century restorationThe architect Henri Beyaert restored the building between 1868 and 1870, changing the austere medieval tower with more romantic Neo Gothic embellishments. The outer entrance, now facing Sint-Gillis/Saint-Gilles, is closer to the original appearance. In front of the inner gate, facing the city of Brussels, Beyaert added a circular tower topped by a conical roof, containing a monumental spiral staircase. Beyaert also added turrets and a large roof.

"Although thousands of people pass every day close to this remaining part of the second surrounding wall of Brussels, along the "petite ceinture" between the Place Louise and the Midi Station, very few of them are conscious of its eventful history. This fairytale monument, more than 600 years old is in fact the most remarkable witness of the City's medieval past. After renovation work, the Halle Gate houses now a permanent presentation dedicated to the medieval City of Brussels. Climb the Halle Gate’s 169 steps and enjoy Brussels’ most stunning panoramic view. Virtual binoculars let you see the city as master painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder would have seen it. It’s a breathtaking plunge back into the 16th century!"