Broel Towers 🇧🇪

When you visit the historic city of Kortrijk, Belgium, you cannot miss the striking Broel Towers (Broeltorens), one of the city's most important symbols and a listed landmark monument. Standing along the river Lys, these medieval structures offer you a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich military past. Though the towers look identical at first glance, they were actually constructed at different times.

The southern tower, known as the Speyetoren, was built in 1385 to control river traffic and once formed part of the first medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders. Opposite it stands the northern tower, the Ingelborchtoren, which was built later in 1415 to serve as an armory. Together with the nearby Artillerytower, these impressive structures represent the last remaining pieces of Kortrijk's ancient medieval city wall, surviving centuries of regional warfare, demolition orders by commanders like Vauban in 1683, and destruction during both world wars.

As you explore the site, be sure to walk across the connecting bridge to see the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of the drowned, which ironically fell into the Lys multiple times during past conflicts.

What to see at Broel Towers

• The 1385 Speyetoren (Southern tower), built to control river traffic
• The 1415 Ingelborchtoren (Northern tower), which originally served as an armory
• The bridge connecting the towers, rebuilt after destruction in both world wars
• The statue of John of Nepomuk, patron saint of the drowned
• One of the last surviving remnants of Kortrijk's medieval city wall

Visiting tips

Take time while crossing the bridge between the towers to admire the statue of John of Nepomuk, patron saint of the drowned.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Broel Towers is easy to reach on Harelbeke’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sint-Maartenskerk. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Harelbeke travel guide.