Tour d'Enceinte des Sarassins in Gembloux

Gembloux's city walls date back to the 12th century, when the town, still vulnerable to outside attack, decided to protect itself with solid fortifications. Today, the remains of these historic ramparts bear witness to this fortified past.

Notable features include the Tour du Nord, also known as the Tour des Sarrasins, on Rue du Moulin. The term "Saracens" originally referred to the Normans and Hungarians who invaded our regions in the 9th and 10th centuries. However, this tower was built much later, in the 12th century, to protect against the aggressions of the Count of Namur. Another vestige of these medieval fortifications can be found near the Maison du Bailli, with the South Tower, and a section of wall that remains in front of the Faculty, a reminder of the ramparts that were demolished when the Grand Rue was widened.

These architectural elements, though modified over the centuries, offer a fascinating window on the history of Gembloux and its medieval defenses.