Kruispoort, Medieval city gate in Bruges, Belgium.
Kruispoort is a city gate built of pale cream brick, with two massive round towers flanking a lower central section. The towers have small dark openings and flat dark rims; between them rises a steep dark slate roof with two pointed dormers and a flagpole. Below the roof is a wide dark arched passage, and above the arch a row of small rectangular openings runs across the facade. A white sign reading "Kruispoort" is mounted left of the arch.
Built between 1401 and 1406 by architects Jan van Oudenaerde and Maarten van Leuven, the gate replaced an earlier structure destroyed in the 1382 siege. This reconstruction marked an important renewal of the city's defensive system.
The fencing club Sint-Michielsgilde, also called the Hallebardiers, has been based in the Kruispoort since the end of the twentieth century. Its members train with swords and halberds inside the gate, continuing a Bruges guild tradition of armed practice.
The gate stands where the Kruispoortbruggen cross the Ringvaart, not on Langestraat. The Sint-Michielsgilde fencing association occupies the interior, so access is not guaranteed; check opening times before visiting.
The ground floor contains a rectangular chamber with two ribbed vaults and features a distinctive fireplace adorned with Delft tiles. This combination reveals how medieval military buildings could incorporate refined decorative elements.
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