Brusselpoort

Brusselpoort was named after a road to Brussels built on the same site in 1698. It was also known as Hoogpoort – or ‘high gate’ - (after Hoogstraat) and Overstepoort – ‘superior gate’, because it stood at the highest point in the city. Over the years, Brusselpoort served a succession of different purposes, including telegraph pole, shelter during the Second World War and art studio. These days the puppets belonging to the DE MAAN puppet theatre are kept in the gatehouse.

Did you know that there was also an old Brusselpoort?

Oude Brusselpoort was located at the end of Oude Brusselsestraat and connected Mechelen with Brussels via Tervuursesteenweg. The new, present-day Brusselpoort took over the role as connecting gate after the new paved road -‘steenweg’ – was constructed in 1698. The Oude Brusselpoort closed in 1745 and was demolished in 1839.

Impression of Brusselpoort from outside the city. Only the main gateway still exists today.  © Wilfried Montald

Impression of Brusselpoort from outside the city, 1780 (Jan-Baptist De Noter).  © www.regionalebeeldbank.be

Project Brusselpoort into your surroundings. . © Wilfried Montald