Seven meters eighty-five. That’s the height of the Eggevoort Tower. This unassuming brick tower stands before you a silent sentinel of time. It’s a survivor a testament to centuries of Brussels history. The Eggevoort Tower isn’t just a pretty face. It’s the last vestige of a grand estate belonging to the chatelains of Brussels. Imagine Eggevoord a sprawling fiefdom with a chateau mill ponds meadows and even a brewery-inn. This was a place of plenty a place of power.
The Eggevoort Tower itself likely dates back to the late 16th or early 17th century. A circular structure of brick with sandstone accents it’s a lovely example of architecture. On the ground floor note the simple door and small windows. Upstairs however four large mullioned windows with stone cross-frames and stained glass offer a glimpse of elegance.
The tower has seen changes. Late 19th-century renovations added an exterior coating a balcony and altered the openings. But a 1939 restoration. guided by the vision of architect L-F De Pauw returned the Eggevoort Tower closer to its original beauty.
Attached to the tower is a rectangular pavilion the Vischhuis. This building likely dates to the mid-17th century. Its purpose was to serve the ducal fish farms in the Maelbeek Valley. The Vischhuis has vaulted cellars. One section held two fish ponds. The main facade is brick. It features a door and window once also mullioned.
This modest structure has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. It has endured wars and urban development. It remains as a symbol of resilience. It stands in the Leopold Park a tranquil space far from the bustle of the city. The Eggevoort Tower whispers stories of chatelains and fish farms of a bygone era. It is a valuable piece of Brussels’ rich past. The Eggevoort Tower is a silent witness to a rich and compelling history. Take a moment to appreciate its quiet strength. It’s more than a tower. It’s a legacy.