The Broel Towers () are a
listed monument and a
landmark
A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a feature that stands out from its near environment and is often visible from long distances.
In modern-day use, the term can also be applied to smaller structures ...
in the
Belgian city of
Kortrijk
Kortrijk ( , ; or ''Kortrik''; ), sometimes known in English as Courtrai or Courtray ( ), is a Belgian City status in Belgium, city and Municipalities in Belgium, municipality in the Flemish Region, Flemish Provinces of Belgium, province of We ...
(''Courtrai''). 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 known 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
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with the fall of the West ...
castle of the
Counts of Flanders
The count of Flanders was the ruler or sub-ruler of the county of Flanders, beginning in the 9th century. Later, the title would be held for a time, by the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire and Spain. During the French Revolution, in 1790, the ...
. 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
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with the fall of the West ...
city wall
A defensive wall is a fortification usually used to protect a city, town or other settlement from potential aggressors. The walls can range from simple palisades or Earthworks (military), earthworks to extensive military fortifications such as ...
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
John of Nepomuk (or John Nepomucene) (; ; ) ( 1345 – 20 March 1393)
was a saint of Bohemia (a western part of what is now the Czech Republic) who was drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia. Later accounts st ...
can be found in the middle of the bridge spanning between the two towers. This statue of the patron saint of the drowned has, ironically, fallen into the river Lys on several occasions due to warfare in the city. The bridge between the two towers was destroyed in both world wars.
Gallery
File:Statue of John of Nepomuk in Kortrijk.jpg, John of Nepomuk
John of Nepomuk (or John Nepomucene) (; ; ) ( 1345 – 20 March 1393)
was a saint of Bohemia (a western part of what is now the Czech Republic) who was drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia. Later accounts st ...
statue on the Broel Bridge
File:Kortrijk Broeltorens.jpg, The 'Speytorre' (l.) and the 'Inghelburghtorre' (r.)
File:Ingelborchtoren.jpg, The Inghelburghtorre (1415)
File:59389 Broeltorens Kortrijk.jpg, The 'Speytorre' or 'Blauwe Toren' (1385)
File:Broeltorens in Kortrijk 2009-05-23.jpg, Broeltowers in 2009
External links
{{commonscat, Broeltorens
More information on the medieval fortifications around Kortrijk
History of Kortrijk
Medieval architecture
Buildings and structures in Kortrijk
Tourist attractions in West Flanders
Towers in Belgium