The Broeltorens (Broel Towers) - constructed from lime- and sandstone - are dating back around the year 1400. The southern Speytorre (to the right of the main photo) was constructed in 1385 to control traffic on the river Leie. The northerly Inghelburghtorre is dating back to 1415. The tower served as a weapons depot and was equipped for the use of artillery. The Broelbrug originally dates back to 1385. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.The towers were built by the Burgundian dukes and are remnants of the old city fortifications.

Broel' refers to bruul, which means a generally marshy or fallow piece of land.