Broeltorens

The Broel Towers ("in dutch: Broeltorens") are a classified monument and a landmark in the Belgian city of Kortrijk. The towers are known as one of the most important symbols of the city.

History

Although they look identical, the towers were not built at the same time. The Southern tower, also know as the "Speyetoren", was built in 1385 to control the traffic on the river Lys. This tower was part of the fortified fence of the first medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders. The Speyentoren was also part of the 12th century rampart, destroyed by Louis XIV in the 17th century.
The Northern tower, known as the "Ingelborchtoren" was built in 1415 and was used as an armory.

Nowadays, the towers are, together with the Artillerytower ("in dutch: Artillerietoren"), the last remaining parts of the medieval city wall around the city. Most of the fortifications in Kortrijk were ordered to be destroyed by Vauban in 1683, a period in which the French and the Spanish armies repeatedly fought over control of the region. The remaining parts were destroyed in the 18th century and during the world wars.

A statue of John of Nepomuk can be found in the middle of the bridge spanning between the two towers.

External links

http://www.fortified-places.com/courtrai.html More information on the medieval fortifications around Kortrijk