Virgin Tower

The Virgin Tower, locally known as Maagdentoren, lies in a field in the village of Zichem, in the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish region in Belgium.

At the end of the 13th century, a castle was built east of the town of Zichem, near the Demer River. In 1358, this castle was purchased by Reinoud I van Schoonvorst. His son, Reinoud II van Schoonvorst, had the Virgin Tower constructed around 1383 east of the older castle. The purpose of the tower is debated because of its proximity to the castle. The round keep was built as a fortress with thick walls, a projecting stair turret, two turrets protecting the entrance, a moat, and a drawbridge, but it could also have been built for prestige.

Over the next two centuries, the town, castle, and tower changed hands several times through sales, exchanges, and marriage. In 1499, it all came into the possession of Engelbert II of Nassau. In 1578, during the 80 Years' War, the rebellious town and castle, still owned by the House of Orange-Nassau, were besieged by a large Spanish army. The siege was ordered by John of Austria and led by Gillis van Berlaymont and Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma. After four days, the town and castle fell to the Spanish. The defenders were punished for their resistance; some were hanged from the castle walls, others were slain, and their bodies were dumped into the river.

By the early 17th century, the castle was nothing but ruins. It was demolished, and its stones were used to repair the town. Later, a farm was built on its site, which eventually grew into a mansion now known as Prinsenkasteel (Prince's Castle). The Virgin Tower had largely survived the 80 Years' War but had lost its upper floor, its defensible entrance, and the drawbridge. It was not restored and fell into ruin.

The Virgin Tower was stabilized in 1863 and 1905. In 2006, part of the tower collapsed. It was subsequently restored and is now used as a tourist watchtower.

The tower is called the Virgin Tower after a legend that says it was once owned by a lord who imprisoned his daughter there after she refused to marry the man he had arranged for her. After some time, she either jumped from the tower or drowned in the river. The tower is also known as Maria Tower. There are several niches on the exterior of the tower that are said to have held statues of the Virgin Mary.

The Virgin Tower can be freely visited, but only during the summer months and during daylight hours. I admire the way they restored it, using the space that became available after the partial collapse to add a staircase and stabilize the structure. A very nice tower.

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