Belfort (Belfry & Carillon), Brugge (must see)
The Belfry of Bruges, also known as Belfort, is a captivating medieval bell tower that stands in the historic center of Bruges. This towering structure, reaching 83 meters in height and leaning about a meter to the east, is not only a significant architectural landmark but also one of the city's most emblematic symbols.
Originally erected around 1240 in the main market square, the Belfry has played various pivotal roles throughout its history. In its earlier days, it served multiple purposes: it housed the city's treasury, safeguarded the municipal archives, and functioned as a vital lookout post for spotting fires and other potential dangers within the city.
The tower is renowned for its challenging ascent, featuring a narrow and steep staircase of 366 steps. This climb is open to the public for those willing to pay an entry fee, offering an immersive experience of the tower鈥檚 historical and architectural significance. Visitors are rewarded with several rest stops which include the old treasury where the city鈥檚 charters, seal, and public funds were securely stored during the Middle Ages, as well as the impressive clock level and the carillonneur鈥檚 chamber.
A significant addition to the Belfry was made in the 16th century when it received a carillon, equipping the tower with a hand keyboard that allowed the bells to be played manually. The carillon has evolved; originally comprising 35 bells crafted by Melchior de Haze of Antwerp in 1675, it expanded to 48 bells by the end of the 19th century. Today, the carillon consists of 47 bells, collectively weighing approximately 27.5 tons.
For those awaiting their turn to ascend, the reception area offers a plethora of informative displays detailing the history and operation of this unique structure, now protected as a world heritage site. This enriching historical and cultural experience makes the Belfry of Bruges a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich heritage of this charming Belgian city.
Why You Should Visit:
Climbing the bell tower on a clear day is well worth it if you are not easily claustrophobic and you can manage the 350+ steps.
Tip:
Go and listen to the free bell-ringing concerts on Mondays & Wednesdays (9-10 pm). You can just sit in the square and listen or in a caf茅 with a drink. Programs are available from the Belfort website.
Originally erected around 1240 in the main market square, the Belfry has played various pivotal roles throughout its history. In its earlier days, it served multiple purposes: it housed the city's treasury, safeguarded the municipal archives, and functioned as a vital lookout post for spotting fires and other potential dangers within the city.
The tower is renowned for its challenging ascent, featuring a narrow and steep staircase of 366 steps. This climb is open to the public for those willing to pay an entry fee, offering an immersive experience of the tower鈥檚 historical and architectural significance. Visitors are rewarded with several rest stops which include the old treasury where the city鈥檚 charters, seal, and public funds were securely stored during the Middle Ages, as well as the impressive clock level and the carillonneur鈥檚 chamber.
A significant addition to the Belfry was made in the 16th century when it received a carillon, equipping the tower with a hand keyboard that allowed the bells to be played manually. The carillon has evolved; originally comprising 35 bells crafted by Melchior de Haze of Antwerp in 1675, it expanded to 48 bells by the end of the 19th century. Today, the carillon consists of 47 bells, collectively weighing approximately 27.5 tons.
For those awaiting their turn to ascend, the reception area offers a plethora of informative displays detailing the history and operation of this unique structure, now protected as a world heritage site. This enriching historical and cultural experience makes the Belfry of Bruges a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich heritage of this charming Belgian city.
Why You Should Visit:
Climbing the bell tower on a clear day is well worth it if you are not easily claustrophobic and you can manage the 350+ steps.
Tip:
Go and listen to the free bell-ringing concerts on Mondays & Wednesdays (9-10 pm). You can just sit in the square and listen or in a caf茅 with a drink. Programs are available from the Belfort website.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brugge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Belfort (Belfry & Carillon) on Map
Sight Name: Belfort (Belfry & Carillon)
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brugge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brugge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brugge Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Belgium's West Flanders province, Brugge is a fascinating city, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, this is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe 鈥� dating back over a millennium 鈥� with a history richer and longer than that of Belgium itself (established since 1830).
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Within its egg-shaped boundary, the historic town of Brugge holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Both medieval and more modern creations await you practically around every corner and are fit to enchant even the most discerning viewers.
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Brugge Beer Tour
The Land of Beer that is Belgium, where each corner calls to you alluringly, has long welcomed thirsty visitors from all over the world. Of all the Belgian destinations, the medieval city of Brugge is a perfect place to promote one of the country鈥檚 most important and best-known exports. Back in the 15th century, at the peak of its commercial might, the city boasted over 50 working breweries... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
It's not much of a secret that some of the world's most beautiful churches are found in Brugge. Renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, this Belgian city is home to several historical temples, adding a great deal of charm to its tapestry.
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles