Kortrijk Broeltorens

Two towers, one river

The Broeltorens in Kortrijk are among the best-preserved medieval defensive towers in Belgium. They stand on the bank of the Leie, connected by a bridge, and together they form a composition that almost works by itself. Symmetry, reflection, historical mass. It is the kind of subject where you, as a photographer, barely need to think about what to do.

The two towers are not identical. The Speyetoren dates from the 13th century, the Ingelburgtoren from the 14th. You can see that age difference in the shape and the brickwork. Get closer and you will notice how the stone courses and windows differ from one another. Worth exploring if you want more than the standard shot.

The blue hour is no cliché here

Many urban photographers swear by the blue hour, and for the Broeltorens that instinct is simply correct. The lanterns along the Leie come on, the sky still holds colour, and the water reflects everything back. Arrive a quarter of an hour before sunset so you catch the transition. In summer that falls late, but in autumn or winter you can shoot here early in the evening.

Cloud cover helps. An even grey sky softens hard shadows and gives the stonework a cool, slightly heavy tone that suits this architecture. With a clear sky you get higher contrast, but then you need to watch that the water does not go too dark in your exposure.

Composition and viewpoint

The most photographed viewpoint is the bridge deck itself, with the towers framed on either side. That works, but it is also the most predictable image. Try going lower and giving the reflection in the Leie more room. Or walk to the opposite bank and shoot across the water with a longer focal length, so the towers appear to stand closer together.

A 35mm or 50mm on a full-frame body keeps the relationship between the towers and their surroundings true to life. A 24mm wide-angle adds drama but also more distortion when you look upward. Both choices are defensible, depending on what you want to say.

Practical

Parking is available near the city centre of Kortrijk, with several car parks within walking distance. The location itself is publicly accessible and you do not need a permit for non-commercial photography. It is a tourist spot, so on summer afternoons you will run into groups of tourists and day-trippers. Early in the morning, or on weekdays after the shops have closed, it is quieter.

Sources and further reading

• Stad Kortrijk, officiële website
• Toerisme Kortrijk, Broeltorens
• Wikipedia: Broeltorens