Second fortifications of Brussels, Medieval city walls in central Brussels, Belgium
The Second fortifications of Brussels are a medieval defensive line that once enclosed the old city, with only fragments like the Halle Gate remaining visible today. The original route of these walls is traced by the modern Small Ring road, which helps visitors understand the extent of this historic protection system.
Construction of these defensive walls began in the 14th century in response to external threats and was completed over several decades. This defense system shaped the city's physical form and determined how it could grow for centuries to come.
The Halle Gate, the only standing remnant, now houses a museum showing medieval weapons and everyday objects from the city's past. This site reflects how Brussels protected itself and the importance of defense structures in shaping the city's identity.
To understand the layout of these fortifications, follow the Small Ring road, which traces the historic network and connects key points. A walk along this route provides good orientation, with the Halle Gate being the main place to visit for information and displays.
Beneath the streets of the modern city remain parts of an underground network of passages and chambers that once served soldiers as escape routes and storage spaces. These hidden structures reveal how complex the medieval defense system truly was.
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