Geuzentoren, Television tower and ancient stone structure in Muziekbos forest, Ronse, Belgium
Geuzentoren is a round stone tower built from local iron sandstone, standing at the summit of Muziekbos hill at approximately 150 meters elevation. An internal spiral staircase with two mezzanine levels leads to an observation platform at the top.
The tower was built in 1864 by M. Scribe as part of a 19th-century trend of creating decorative structures called Follies. These whimsical buildings were fashionable among wealthy landowners seeking to embellish their properties with architectural fantasies.
The tower became tied to local identity after poet Pol de Mont visited and named the surrounding area the 'Flemish Ardennes' in 1888. This name shaped how people in the region understood their home.
Climbing the internal spiral staircase requires moderate physical effort and rewards visitors with views over the surrounding landscape. Clear weather offers the best visibility from the observation platform.
The tower rests on an ancient Gallo-Roman burial mound where archaeologists uncovered two urns containing cremated remains. These findings reveal that the hilltop held sacred significance long before the 19th century structure was built.
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