Halle Gate: an exceptional monument

Halle Gate (Porte de Hal) is a magical monument which is more than 600 years old. Halle Gate is the final remnant of Brussels’ second walls and now home to a wonderful collection of artefacts and boasts many teaching aids which highlight its history and the history of its fortifications. At the top of the tower, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Brussels and its region from the round covered walkway. You can also enjoy some incredible artefacts at Halle Gate, such as: -The supposed crib ‘of Charles V’ This finely crafted crib, which is now being displayed in the Halle Gate Museum, was probably not intended for the future Emperor Charles V, as has often been claimed, but for his dad, Philip the Handsome. This much is clear from the coats of arms of his parents, Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian of Austria. -Hunting spear equipped with firing pistols Come to the ‘Back to Bruegel’ exhibition at Halle Gate and see the magnificent hunting spear equipped with two firing pistols for yourself. It is said to have belonged to Charles V, who really loved hunting, particularly on the land close to the Coudenberg Palace, which was his residence in Brussels. -Necklace of the Nivelles harquebusier guild You can see this magnificent item for yourself at the ‘Back to Bruegel’ exhibition at Halle Gate. It was worn by the harquebusier who won the annual archery competition. A fake bird was used as a target. The archer who knocked it off was named the king and was personally awarded the ‘guild necklace’ by the guild leader. The necklace was made in 1525 out of gilded silver in a Gothic style. It was said to have been given to the Nivelles harquebusier guild by Charles V.