Peperbus, Historic watchtower in Ghent, Belgium
The Peperbus is a fortified tower in Ghent built with thick stone walls and a compact cylindrical form typical of early defensive structures in the Low Countries. The building features narrow windows and reinforced edges designed for defense purposes.
The tower was built in 1658-1659 when Ghent was modernizing and strengthening its defenses around the city. This period marked an important chapter in the region's urban defense history.
The tower stands as a visual landmark that locals use to orient themselves while moving through the city center. Its distinctive shape makes it easy to spot from various streets and corners around Ghent.
The tower is centrally located in the old city and easily accessible from various routes. Visitors can view the exterior at any time, with the best perspectives available from the surrounding squares and streets.
The name Peperbus refers to the shape of the tower resembling a pepper mill, with this word used in local speech for cylindrical or tube-like objects. This designation has persisted for centuries and remains in use today.
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