Fort Rouge - Tournai

The "Fort Rouge" in Tournai is a historic fortress dating back to the 17th century. It was built by the French architect Vauban , known for his military fortifications. The fortress was originally built as part of Tournai's defenses.

Fort Rouge is a well-preserved example of fortification architecture from that period. It has characteristic features such as high earthen walls, bastions and moats. The design was intended to protect the city from enemy attacks. It owes its name to the current red tiled roof . The increase is the result of successive transformations.

The tower is circular except for a quadrangular corner and has four levels, the first two of which are vaulted. Narrow archways pierce the first three levels.

Today, Fort Rouge is no longer in military use. It has had several other uses over the years, including as a prison . At times , art exhibitions and cultural events were organized. It can also be visited by tourists interested in military history and architecture. In 1997-1998, excavations at the foot of the listed monument revealed curtain walls and the foundations of a small trapezoidal tower (3.40 m x 2.05 m) from this period. These remains can still be viewed and displayed.

The last level corresponds to the old crenellated parapet , as evidenced by the ten rectangular openings (battlements) with trapezoidal brackets on which the shafts of the huchettes, revolving shutters that protected the defenders while firing, must have once rested. The Fort Rouge has a diameter of 11 m and a preserved height of 17 to 22 m. Due to its characteristics, it corresponds to the Philippine fortification model, named after King Philip II Augustus (1165-1223). Today, and probably since the 17th century , it is covered with a conical roof. The arched entrance on the second floor of the building (now the ground floor) probably dates from the same period.

Willem Vandenameele