The historic centre is compact and walkable. The two medieval Broeltorens on the Leie are the most recognisable image of the city — twin defensive towers from the 12th and 15th centuries, still standing where the old city wall met the river. From there it is a short walk to the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, a Gothic church containing one of Van Dyck's finest paintings, and on to the peaceful Begijnhof, a walled béguinage that has been inhabited almost continuously since the 13th century. The Grote Markt is the lively heart of the city, lined with guild houses and dominated by the belfry.