Achtersikkel, Protected historic monument in the historic center of Ghent, Belgium.
This Gothic construction from the 14th century consists of several buildings constructed during different periods, including a round red brick tower flanked by a crenellated building and a white sandstone tower in the center of the courtyard.
Built in the 14th century and designated as a historic monument since 1943, it demonstrates Ghent's architectural evolution with successive additions including a Gothic chapel and an octagonal belvedere added in the 15th century.
The name Achtersikkel derives from its position behind two other patrician buildings called Great Sickle and Small Sickle, connected to the van der Sickelen family who owned these properties during the Middle Ages.
Located in close proximity to Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Ghent Belfry, it is accessible through the historic center streets and forms part of guided tour circuits of Ghent's architectural heritage.
It combines distinctive architectural elements including a gallery supporting the Gothic chapel with blue stone columns bearing pointed arches and a round tower equipped with arrow slits characteristic of medieval defensive architecture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
