The Rozenhoedkaai (canal) with the Belfry of Bruges in the background in Bruges, Belgium. Photo by Ank Kumar. Wikimedia Commons.

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Belfry of Bruges


 

The Belfry tower is without a doubt one of the most popular attractions in Bruges. And for a good reason! The Belfry of Bruges – also known as “Belfort van Brugge” – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belgium, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting this beautiful Medieval city.

In simple terms, it is a medieval bell tower in the center of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city’s most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. Here are the Top 10 Facts about Belfry of Bruges. 

1. This belfry used to be 102 meters tall

Photo by Ank Kumar. Wikimedia Commons.

The Belfort van Brugge used to be 102 meters tall with it a wooden spire on the top. However, in 1741, the spire went up in flames, and left the building standing at a 83-meters height, which it remains today.

The belfry has 3 building layers. The bottom 2 layers, which are built in brick, dates back to the 13th century. The top layer (the tower) was built in-between 1482 and 1486, and it’s made of Brabant Limestone.

2. The bells were used for communication

The bells in the tower regulated the lives of the city dwellers, announcing the time, fire alarms, work hours, and a variety of social, political, and religious events. Eventually a mechanism ensured the regular sounding of certain bells, for example indicating the hour.

In the 16th century the tower received a carillon, allowing the bells to be played by means of a hand keyboard. Starting from 1604, the annual accounts record the employment of a carillonneur to play songs during Sundays, holidays and market days.

3. Today the Belfry has 47 bells

In 1675 the carillon comprised 35 bells, designed by Melchior de Haze of Antwerp. After the fire of 1741 this was replaced by a set of bells cast by Joris Dumery, 26 of which are still in use.

There were 48 bells at the end of the 19th century, but today the bells number 47, together weighing about 27.5 tonnes. The bells range in weight from two pounds to 11,000 pounds.

4. Belfry of Bruges has burnt up more than once

The octagonal upper stage of the belfry was added between 1483 and 1487, and capped with a wooden spire bearing an image of Saint Michael, banner in hand and dragon underfoot. The spire did not last long: a lightning strike in 1493 reduced it to ashes, and destroyed the bells as well.

A wooden spire crowned the summit again for some two-and-a-half centuries, before it, too, fell victim to flames in 1741. The spire was never replaced again, thus making the current height of the building somewhat lower than in the past; but an openwork stone parapet in Gothic Revival style was added to the rooftop in 1822.

5. It is a UNESCO world heritage site

Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. Built in 1240, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. Photo by Ank Kumar. Wikimedia Commons.

Since 1999, the belfry has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France serial property. In addition, it is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic center of Bruges, inscribed in 2000.

6. It offers a perfect viewing spot

For city travelers, the Belfry offers an interesting view of the medieval layout of the city. The platform at the height of the carillon can be reached via 366 steps, from up here you can enjoy the hustle and bustle on the market square or treat yourself to a view of the architectural beauties of the city.

Another incentive to conquer the spiral staircase is the treasury, which you can visit before you climb the last steps to the viewing platform at the Glockenspiel. If a larger tour group wants to climb the Belfry before you, there may be minimal waiting times, as a maximum of 70 people are allowed in the tower at any one time.

7. The Belfry tower is a leaning tower

Bruges seen from the Belfry. Photo by Sergejf. Wikimedia Commons.

Just a few years after the Belfry was built, its wooden spire burnt down along with the archives inside. The new tower structure survived a good 200 years before it too fell victim to a fire that destroyed the tower bell.

The current neo-Gothic tower crown of the Bruges Belfry dates from 1822. You probably won’t spot it right away, but in fact the Belfort is the “leaning tower of Bruges”. The tower leans about one metre without its statics suffering.

8. The Belfry tower is featured in the film In Bruges

In Bruges is a 2008 black comedy crime film written and directed by Martin McDonagh in his feature-length debut. The film stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen in hiding, with Ralph Fiennes as their enraged boss. The film is set and was filmed in Bruges, Belgium.

 

Carrying out orders, rookie hitman Ray shoots a priest during confession, but accidentally kills a young boy who is also in church. He and his mentor Ken are sent to Bruges by their employer Harry, where they are to await further instructions. Ken finds the city charming and quaint, while Ray has nothing but contempt for it.

9. Besides the towers stands the former market hall

To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard. The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls).

10. It takes 366 steps to climb up the belfry tower

Photo by Jean-Pol Grandmont. Wikimedia Commons.

The most striking tower in Bruges dates back to the 13th century, is 83 metres high and is protected as a world heritage site. It takes 366 steps to climb up the belfry tower. Anyone who climbs all 366 steps will be rewarded with a stunning view over the city and its surroundings.