Tower of Alvaux, Medieval fortification tower in Nil-Saint-Vincent, Belgium.
The Tower of Alvaux is a medieval fortification with a square stone structure that once served as a residential dwelling. The structure sits on grounds surrounded by water and marshland, underlining its strategic position in the landscape.
The tower's construction arose from a land grant given by Abbess Bertha of Nivelles to Arnould II de Walhain between 1183 and 1217. This period established a significant noble fortress in the region of Walloon Brabant.
The tower reflects how medieval noble families fortified their homes to protect their lands and assert their power in the region. You can still see how the stone structure was designed to serve both as a residence and as a defensive stronghold.
The structure sits on the grounds of Camping d'Alvau, though access to the tower itself is restricted for preservation reasons. Visitors can view the outer structure and surrounding landscape from outside, as seen from the camping area.
The tower originally featured a drawbridge system spanning surrounding ditches to enhance its defensive capabilities. This feature reveals how seriously medieval residents took the security of their dwelling.
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