Halle Gate

Halle Gate

The Porte de Hal (French) or Hallepoort (Dutch) is a medieval fortified city gate of the second walls of Brussels.

Built in 1381, Halle Gate is a 14th century city gate from the second set of defensive walls that enclosed Brussels. The gate was named for the city of Halle (French: Hal) in Flemish Brabant which it faces.

The original gate included a portcullis and drawbridge over a moat. The structures that housed these are still visible.

While the other six gateways and the defensive walls were demolished, the Halle Gate survived as it was used as a prison. It was at other times used as a customs house, for grain storage, and a Lutheran church.

Read more about Halle Gate:  19th Century Restoration, Museum

Famous quotes containing the word gate:

    The approval of the public is to be avoided like the plague. It is absolutely essential to keep the public from entering if one wishes to avoid confusion. I must add that the public must be kept panting in expectation at the gate by a system of challenges and provocations.
    André Breton (1896–1966)