Brusselpoort
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The Brusselpoort is the sole remaining city gate of the original twelve gates of the city of Mechelen, Belgium.
This imposing structure dates from the 13th century. Because of her exceptional height, towering above the other gates, she was also called the 'Overste poort' (superior gate).
In the 16th century, the towers were lowered and the roof construction was altered to her present configuration.
In the course of the centuries, the building had many different uses: from police station to youth center, from duty collector's office to artist's workshop (Alfred Ost).
It is now the history museum of Mechelen, starting in the early 11th century. It covers extensively the glorious Burgundian and Habsburg past (1400-1550) and the dark period of the religious wars and the following upheavals. It then shows how Mechelen grew into its present form between 1750 and 1900.
