Tour de Villers, Medieval fortified tower in Centre Quarter, Belgium
The Tour de Villers is a medieval fortified tower in central Brussels featuring a semicircular design, an open platform, and a parapet with battlements along Rue de Villers. The structure is accompanied by a preserved 26-meter section of the original city wall that forms part of the historical fortifications.
The tower belongs to Brussels's earliest medieval fortifications and was later repurposed as a dance hall within a cabaret. The structure was rediscovered in 1893 when it was still serving this entertainment function within the building.
The structure displays military architecture with central and lateral arrow slits, allowing visitors to see how medieval fortifications were built. This design reflects the defensive needs that shaped early Brussels and remains visible in its physical form today.
The best time to visit is during daylight to see the architectural details and adjacent city wall clearly. The surrounding area contains notable trees such as Wing-nut and White Mulberry, making the location pleasant for a walk.
The tower was scheduled for demolition in 1958 but was saved through architect J. Rombaux's intervention. The restoration that followed removed later additions and rebuilt original elements to restore its medieval appearance.
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