HALLE GATE

Description

Essentials about Halle Gate in brief

The Porte de Hal (Halle Gate) is the last remnant of the former medieval city wall of Brussels. Built in 1381, the city gate looks back on centuries of eventful history. Today, Halle Gate houses a museum with exhibitions about medieval Brussels and the history of the building. From the top of the city gate you have a great view of the city center of Brussels.

The history of Halle Gate

Built in 1381, Halle Gate was once one of seven city gates of the second city wall of Brussels built in the 14th century. It was initially named “Obbrussel Gate”, but was subsequently renamed “Halle Gate” after the Flemish city of Halle. The original gate had a portcullis and a drawbridge over a moat. Although its military function ended in 1564, these features are still visible today. In subsequent decades and centuries, Halle Gate was used as a Lutheran church, customs house, granary, and archive, among other uses.

While the city walls, including the six other gates, were demolished in the period from 1818 to 1840 to make way for the inner ring road of Brussels, Halle Gate remained as the only city gate. The reason for its preservation was its function at the time as a military prison.

From 1868 to 1871, the gate was restored by architect Henri Beyaert. Beyaert paid little attention to historical accuracy and transformed the once gloomy medieval tower into a kind of neo-Gothic castle that better suited the glorified view of the Middle Ages prevalent at the time. Among other things, Beyaert built a new round tower in front of the inner gate with a spiral staircase inside, replaced the windows and added turrets and battlements.

Halle Gate today

Today, Halle Gate houses the Musée du Porte de Hal, which features exhibitions about medieval Brussels and the history of the building. The highlight of the museum is the collection of medieval armor, which includes the parade armor of Archduke Albert of Austria, governor general of the Austrian Netherlands in the 17th century. From the top of Halle Gate, by the way, you can enjoy a great view over the center of the Belgian capital.