Halle Gate, Medieval city gate in Marolles district, Belgium
The Halle Gate is a Gothic Revival structure standing at the southern boundary of Brussels, built with thick stone walls, crenellations, and intricate 19th-century details. The building now functions as a museum housing displays about the city's defense systems and craftsmanship traditions.
The gate was constructed in the 1380s as part of Brussels's second defensive wall, strategically positioned to control the southern approach to the city. In the early 1800s it served as a military prison and customs checkpoint before later restoration and conversion into a museum.
The gate takes its name from the nearby Halles market and once marked the boundary between the city center and outlying settlements. Today, visitors can explore how this location shaped the daily life and commerce of people living in the southern districts.
The entrance is located on Boulevard du Midi in the southern district, easily accessible by public transport with wheelchair access available. Visitors planning to climb to the viewing platform should wear comfortable shoes, as the journey requires some physical effort.
Inside is a remarkable spiral staircase with roughly 170 steps leading to a narrow viewing platform at the top. From this elevated vantage point, visitors gain an unexpected perspective on the southern districts and understand why this location once marked the city's defensive boundary.
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