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13th century symbol of the power of Bruges with a breathtaking view of the city
The 83-metre high Belfort (belfry) from the 13th century is one of the three iconic towers of Bruges, together with the towers of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), and Sint-Salvatorskathedraal (St Saviour’s Cathedral). Those who climb the 366 stairs are rewarded with an impressive view of Bruges and surrounds. On the way up you call in at the treasury where the city stamps, seals, and funds were kept in the Middle Ages. One floor up you reach the impressive music turned out by the carillon and from the tower you see the keyboard now used for the carillon bells.
The Belfort is one of the oldest examples of medieval urban and public architecture. It testifies to the late medieval self-consciousness of cities and burghers. Since 1999, the Belfort, together with 55 other surviving belfries in Belgium and France, has been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage listed building.
The carillon in the tower numbers no fewer than 47 bells. Bruges also has a city carillonneur. The carilloneur plays the bells on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. In the summer you can enjoy special carillon concerts.
