In Breda, archaeologists from the Municipality of Breda found a medieval tower during excavation work for the redevelopment of the Vlaszak. This is remarkable because it was not certain that a tower had stood in this central location. The discovery was made on the morning of February 11 during routine archaeological research, but the tower has since been buried under a significant layer of sand.
Wall Tower
The remnants found are of a so-called wall tower. As early as 2015, it was thought that a tower might have existed at this location, but this has now been confirmed. Only the foundations of the tower remain, making it difficult to determine exactly how tall the tower was. A half circle of medieval bricks became visible during the work, approximately 60 centimeters below street level. It is now unclear whether the tower was completely circular or semi-circular.
City Wall
The city of Breda received a rampart in the 13th century. In the middle of the 14th century, a city wall was built against it. Therefore, it was not necessary to build a stone walkway on top of the wall, where defenders could walk around. It is remarkable that the tower was situated in the rampart, on top of the natural ground, and thus inside the city wall. The tower likely belongs to the oldest phase of the 13th-century fortifications and not to the 14th-century city wall.
Vlaszak
In November of last year, a previous discovery was made at the Vlaszak. Human remains were found that belonged to the cemetery of the Gasthuis (now Stedelijk Museum Breda). Remnants of houses from a later period were also found at the Vlaszak.
The Vlaszak in Breda is undergoing complete redevelopment. From June 2024, work will begin on greening, a better connection to the city center with less traffic pressure, increased traffic safety, and the restoration of the historic character. The work is scheduled to continue until March 2025, and it is expected that no significant new archaeological discoveries will be made.
Want to read more about the archaeological research at the Vlaszak? Read it on the website of heritageweb(link is external).