- Year built: 1429
- Original function: Fortification tower
Behind the Engelenburgerbrug, the Rondeel Engelenborch has stood for almost six centuries. It was part of a fortification tower from 1429, connected to the city wall and served to defend the New Harbour. Originally, the Rondeel stood free on three sides in the water.
From this tower, watchmen kept a watchful eye day and night on strangers wanting to enter the New Harbour. The building is a reduced copy of the Castle of Angels in Rome, the tomb of Emperor Hadrian. The Rondeel is built of heavy Namur stone. When the city wall was demolished in 1647 and the quay was built on, part of the Rondeel disappeared into the ground and ended up at the head of a row of houses. In the course of the centuries, it has undergone extensive renovations and served many purposes. For example, it served as a skippers' pub and as the harbourmaster's house. In 1983, the Rondeel was restored, giving it its present appearance.
