Belfort (Belfry & Carillon)

History

The belfry forms part of a 13th century complex of halls, which served as a warehouse and a market hall in the Middle Ages. This impressive building is 83 metres tall and is composed of two connected square brick sections from the 13th century, surmounted by an octagonal lantern tower made of sand-lime brick (1482-1486). Until 1741, a 19-metre high wooden spire crowned the tower. Belfries have symbolic meaning and bear witness to the confidence that cities felt during the late Middle Ages. Besides this they belong to the oldest examples of medieval, civilian, and public architecture. They have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1999.

The belfry tower is over 83 metres tall. Climb the 366 steps to the top and discover on the way a treasury, an impressive clockwork mechanism, and a carillon with 47 bells. Your achievement will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Bruges and the surrounding countryside.

Collection

Highlights are the wrought iron gates from 1300, the ‘Triumphant Bell’ by bell caster Melchior de Haze, the carillon drum dating from 1748, the tower’s clockwork mechanism, and the carillon’s 47 bells. From the tower room you can see the carillonist’s keyboard.

Museum

The main reason to climb the 366 steps is for the panoramic view from the top. On the way up you pass the former treasury of the belfry where the City archives were kept in the Middle Ages. On the ‘stenen vloer’ (stone floor) you can learn more about the bells and the carillon. Higher still you will find yourself at eye level with the ‘Triumphant Bell’ and the clockwork mechanism.