Halle Gate Museum, Medieval military museum in Brussels, Belgium
The Halle Gate Museum occupies a fortified tower with multiple exhibition levels connected by a tight spiral staircase featuring medieval elements. Inside, visitors can see armor, weapons, and written records that show how the city's defensive system developed over time.
The structure was built in 1381 as part of Brussels second city wall and first served as a defensive installation. Centuries later, the architect Henri Beyaert transformed it and opened it as a museum.
The museum displays military equipment from different periods, revealing how the city protected itself and organized its defense. Visitors can observe how weapons and armor evolved over time and what role such structures played in the daily life of residents.
The tower is narrow and the spiral staircase requires careful climbing, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes. Those who reach the upper level will encounter several flights of stairs but are rewarded with views across the city.
Original defensive features such as arrow slits and guard rooms remain visible and functional inside the tower. These details let visitors experience firsthand how sentries once monitored the city from this vantage point.
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