Medieval wall

During the Middle Ages, the dukedom of Brabant had its sights set on Tongeren. Frequent attacks and the ruinous state of the 4th century Roman wall, meant that there was urgent need of a new city wall. Building works commenced in 1241 and continued for the next 50 years.

Medieval city wall

The new medieval city wall with 6 gates and 13 towers enclosed a city of 54 hectares, the equivalent of around 100 football fields. The best preserved pieces are near Elfde Novemberwal and Leopoldwal.

Lakenmakerstoren (Sheet makers’ Tower)

Each guild in Tongeren was responsible for maintaining and defending 1 of the medieval wall’s 13 towers. One of the towers to survive over the centuries is Lakenmakerstoren, the sheet makers’ tower. This picturesque tower is part of the defence wall along the river Jeker, between Kastanjewal and Sint-Ursulastraat. This semi-circular construction mainly consists of silex, a material from the original Roman wall.

The Velinxtoren

‘Velinx’ is a name that you often come across in Tongeren. It is the name of an influential 16th century family. The Velinxtoren at Albertwal is a remnant of the medieval defence wall. Older, Roman material was incorporated into the round silex tower.

Moeren Gate

Out of the 6 original gates, only the Moeren Gate remains. ‘Moeren’ refers to the surrounding marches. This gate was built on the remains of the 2nd century Roman wall. Be sure to take a look inside, as there is a historical museum with a spectacular view over the city.