Gazing up at the imposing structure before us what stories do these stones tell? This is the Avenue de la Porte de Hal. It is also known as Hallepoortlaan. Today we explore the fascinating history of this iconic landmark.
The Halle Gate stands as the last vestige of Brussels’ second city walls. These walls were built between 1381 and 1383. It originally bore the name Obbrussel Gate. This meant Upper Brussels. Later it was renamed for the city of Halle. That city is now located in Flemish Brabant.
Imagine this gate centuries ago. It controlled access to the city. People and goods passed through it. In the 16th and 17th centuries, artillery changed warfare. The city modernized its defenses. Ditches bastions and ravelins were added.
Around 1675, the gate’s defense was reinforced. Monterey Fort and Saint Clara Fort were part of this. However, these defenses couldn’t stop the French bombardment in 1695. French troops seized the city in 1746.
Between 1818 and 1840, the other six gateways were demolished. But the Halle Gate survived. It served as a military prison. It was also a customs house. It even served as a granary and a Lutheran church.
In 1830, Belgium gained independence. Demolition work reached the gate. The new government decided to spare it. In 1840, the street inside was raised. This made it impassable to vehicles. A toll was levied on commercial goods until 1865.
From 1868 to 1871, Henri Beyaert transformed the gate. He turned the medieval tower into a neo-Gothic castle. This fit the romantic perception of the Middle Ages. He added a circular tower with a spiral staircase.
In 1847, the Halle Gate became part of the Royal Museum of Armour Antiquities and Ethnology. This is now the Royal Museums of Art and History. The gate displayed armour and weapons.
By 1889, the Halle Gate was too small for the collections. They moved to the Cinquantenaire Museum. The gate continued to display armour.
In 1976, the Halle Gate was in disrepair. It closed. In 1990, it received protected status. Renovations began and it reopened in 1991. The museum finally opened on June 6 2008.
Today, the Halle Gate is a museum. It displays exhibits about the history of Brussels and its defense. You can see the parade armor of Archduke Albert of Austria. You can explore the Gothic Room and the Guilds Room. The walkway offers a panorama of the city.
Right next to the Halle Gate is the Porte de Hal metro station. It contains artworks by François Schuiten. These artworks show metro trains and futuristic cityscapes. They also include views of the medieval Halle Gate.
The Halle Gate has dominated Brussels since the 14th century. It has served many functions. It has endured the ravages of time. From a defensive gate to a prison to a museum, it has witnessed centuries of Brussels’ history. As we conclude our visit take one last look. Consider the layers of history embedded in its walls. It stands as a testament to Brussels’ resilience and enduring spirit.