Belfort (Belfry)

The Belfry, with the City Halls below, has watched over Bruges for centuries. The building, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in several phases between the 13th and 15th centuries. This iconic symbol of Bruges' power, prosperity, and freedom in the Middle Ages has been a familiar feature in the city's skyline ever since.

If you really want to experience the Belfry, climb the 366 steps to the top. Along the way, you can immerse yourself in the story of the 83-metre tower. At the top, you can look forward to breathtaking views of Bruges and its wide surroundings.

History of the Belfry and City Halls
When exactly the Belfry first appeared is unknown, but there was probably a wooden city hall with a tower on the Market Square by the early 13th century. It is thought that a stone version was erected in 1240, but a fire struck the building in 1280 and it was partially devoured by the flames. Bruges' residents began repairs almost immediately, and continued to expand the building in the 14th and 15th centuries. The tower grew higher and higher.

Finally, between 1482 and 1486, the Belfry received its now familiar octagonal superstructure in Brabant sandstone, originally crowned with a wooden spire. The spire was lost in a fire shortly after completion. It was rebuilt and then destroyed again after a lightning strike in 1741. This is how the Belfry acquired its current silhouette in the 18th century.

Two functions, one building
The Belfry and the City Halls are inseparable, as the tower stands atop a wing of the hall complex. However, each had its own function:

The Belfry was the repository of the city charters; official documents detailing the privileges and freedoms of the city's citizens. They were issued by the lord of the land and guaranteed the city a certain degree of autonomy and self-government. In exchange for this independence, Bruges provided financial and military support to its lord, the Count of Flanders. Other important charters, the city's seal and the coffers, were also safely stored in the Belfry's treasury. Because all these symbols of municipal power were deposited here, the tower itself became the icon of Bruges' prosperity and independence.

In addition, the Belfry was: 

• used to proclaim official messages, announcements and ordinances. The proclamation of these "hall commandments" by city officials was conducted from a small balcony just above the central entrance gate, on the Market Square side. 
• an ideal watchtower. Guards in the tower kept a close eye on the city and its surroundings. At set times, they gave an "all-safety" signal with a horn or clarion. 
• the home to dozens of city clocks. Bell chimes warned of danger, announced important events, and marked everyday moments, such as the opening and closing of the city gates.

The City Halls were a covered marketplace where goods were stored and sold. By the 12th century, Bruges had become an international and dynamic trading city with a port. The Market Square was the commercial and economic heart, and the obvious central site for a market hall. With the construction of the City Halls, Bruges fulfilled the need to provide appropriate commercial infrastructure.

What does "belfry" mean?
In a medieval city, "clock privilege" was important as it allowed a city to structure daily life through bells. Some cities used church bells or hung their main city bells in a church tower. Other cities, such as Bruges, were wealthy enough to cast their own city bells and hang them in a separate tower, or city gate.

A possible explanation for the word "belfort "can be found in the earliest bell towers. These probably resembled a 'bergfried' —  a wooden siege tower used during attacks. The Frankish word evolved into 'beffroi'  in French, from which the English 'belfry' is derived.

Clocks, by the way, were often given names. Bruges' most important clock is called the triumphal clock or victory clock. It sounds only a few times a year at set times on special occasions. If you're in Bruges during one of those times, you might be lucky enough to hear the triumphal bell ringing!

The Belfry as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Belfries are characteristic of Flanders, parts of Wallonia, and northern France. Each is unique and contributes to the identity of its city. Bruges residents are also particularly proud of their "Hall Tower".

Since 1938 the building has been protected as a monument, and in 1999 Bruges' Belfry received international recognition. Bruges' Belfry is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with 55 belfries in Belgium and France. This means that belfries have exceptional universal value for all humanity, and must be preserved and cherished for future generations. According to UNESCO, what makes belfries so special is that they are among the oldest examples of medieval civil and public architecture. They represent the pride, independence, and self-awareness of late medieval communities, as well as their wealth and power.

What you'll see during your visit
The Belfry tower is a municipal museum. A visit to Bruges' most famous tower is an unforgettable experience. During your climb up, you will pass four special rooms:

• The treasury room
  This is where the city charters, the city's seal, and the municipal treasury were once kept. You can still see how heavily these were secured: in iron boxes fitted with padlocks, and placed in niches behind double wrought-iron doors.  
• The drum room
  An enormous drum weighing over 9,000 kilograms and pierced with 30,500 holes is the centrepiece here. Some holes are provided with a pin. When the large drum rotates, these pins automatically set different bells in motion. It's a bit like a giant music box. Then prick up your ears, and listen to the melody that sounds over the city. 
• The tower room
  This is the workplace of the city carillonneur, who plays the 47 bells of the carillon on a keyboard. With hands and feet, the carillonneur can play four carillon bells simultaneously. By the way, did you know that Belgian carillon culture has also been recognised by UNESCO as a model safeguarding practice? 
• The bell room
  Step into the bell room and enjoy breathtaking 360° views across Bruges, but brace yourself!  The mighty bronze bells ring out every quarter-hour with a powerful toll that echoes above your head. Don’t forget to protect your ears — and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can admire the Belfry from the courtyard of the City Halls, surrounded by the hall complex with an excellent view of the tower. On the Market side of the building is a tactile model, ideal for a bird's-eye perspective of the complex. Today, the City Halls mainly host events and exhibitions.

Virtual tour
Feeling curious? Take a virtual peek into the treasure room and drum room, or check out the courtyard of the City Halls and the panorama from the tower beforehand.