Broeltorens

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Broeltorens and Lys river in Kortrijk

The Broeltorens (broel towers) are a classified monument and a landmark in the Belgian city of Kortrijk.

Although they look identical, the towers were not built at the same time. The Southern tower, also know as the Speyetoren, was built in 1385 to control the traffic on the river Lys. The Northern tower, known as the Ingelborchtoren was built in 1415 and was used as an armory. A statue of John of Nepomuk can be found in the middle of the bridge spanning between the two towers.

The towers are the last remaining part of the medieval city wall around the city. Most of the fortifications in Kortrijk were ordered to be destroyed by Vauban in 1683, a period in which the French and the Spanish armies repeatedly fought over control of the region. The remaining parts were destroyed in the 18th century and during the world wars.