What is a bartizan?

A bartizan (known in Dutch as ‘arkel’) is a small, corbelled corner turret that projects from the corner of a building or beside a gate, extending beyond the facade. Bartizans are found mainly on medieval castles, town walls and townhouses, and served both defensive and decorative purposes.

Characteristics

• Corbelled — the bartizan projects beyond the facade and rests on corbels, consoles or a bracket
• Corner position — usually placed at a building corner, sometimes beside a gate
• Small format — too small to serve as a room, but large enough to stand in
• Arrow slits or windows — fitted with defensive features or ornamental windows depending on the function

Function

Defensive

On castles and town walls, the bartizan allowed defenders to:

• Command fire along the base of the wall (enfilading)
• Eliminate a blind spot
• Provide extra protection for the entrance gate

Decorative

On townhouses and churches, the bartizan was primarily:

• A status symbol
• An architectural accent at the facade corner
• Sometimes adorned with sculpture or a family coat of arms

Where to find bartizans

• Castles — at the corners of towers and curtain walls
• Town walls — at gates and strategic points
• Townhouses — as a decorative feature in Gothic and Renaissance facades
• Churches — occasionally on the corners of bell towers

Related terms

• Corbelling
• Console
• Bay window
• Buttress
• Parapet

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