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You are here: Home / Belgium / The Belfry of Ghent, Belgium: one the famous 3 Ghent towers

The Belfry of Ghent, Belgium: one the famous 3 Ghent towers

January 8, 2020

Yup, I have affiliate links on this blog and there may be some in this amazing and completely free content below. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Visiting the Belfry

You can't miss the Belfry of Ghent, Belgium. At 91 meters tall, the structure dwarfs the surrounding buildings, even if you don't climb its 366 steps, you can still experience its grandeur from different points across the city.

Together with the St. Bavo Cathedral and the St. Nicholas' Church, the Ghent belfry forms part of the “Three Towers of Ghent” and is a UNESCO World Heritage site<.

Top tip:If you are looking to discover more history about the buildings of Ghent, not try a guided walking tour with a local.

 

Belfry History

Construction started in 1313 but the design of the belfry was modified several times over the years. The adjoining Cloth Hall, where fabrics were measured, cut, and sold, was added in the 15th century. The Cloth Hall is built in a gothic style and reminds us of the flourishing Ghent textile industry of times gone by.

belfry

During medieval times, the building stored the municipal privileges – important documents detailing the town's rights – and served as a watchtower. From the high vantage point, guards kept an eye on the city and would ring the bells if danger was imminent.

Stone sculptures represent the watchmen in the basement. Only one (seen on the right of the image below) is an original. If you look closely you'll see that in comparison to the three replicas, it's rather damaged.

ghent belfry

A gilded copper dragon was added to the top of the tower in 1377 to assist the watchmen. As well as becoming a mascot for Ghent, the dragon was also the symbolic protector of the municipal privileges. In 1578 the privileges were returned to Ghent and kept in the City Hall.

unesco world heritage

The most notorious bell of the Belfry is called Roland. First used solely as an alarm bell, Roland later rang out every hour and was accompanied by a collection of smaller bells with various tones to help the locals tell the time and organize their day.

belfry tower

belfry carillon

On the top floor of the Belfry, visitors can see the mechanism that rings the bells. Known as a carillon, the music-box-like machinery causes the bells to chime as it turns.

belfry tower ghent

ghent belfry tower
 

This historic World Heritage site is just one of many fun things to do in Ghent.
 

Practical information

Ghent Belfry
St. Baafsplein, Ghent
Open every day from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., except on January 1 and December 25.
 

Getting to Ghent

Check Skyscanner for cheap flights from your location to Belgium.

Accommodation in Ghent, Belgium

Check Booking.com for an extensive list of options for all budgets and needs.

If you're looking for an apartment rather than a hotel, I recommend checking Airbnb.
 

Pin for later
The Ghent Belfry: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Graffiti in Ghent
Ghent's Castle Gravensteen
 

I received a Ghent CityCard from VisitGent to visit some sights during my day trip. Such partnerships will never affect how I write about a place; my reviews are always honest and accurate.

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Posted in: Belgium

Your Thoughts

  1. Jennifer (Dr. J) says

    It’s totally worth the climb (an elevator takes you *most* of the way up) for panoramic views over Ghent. We were lucky to have the chance to visit when we were in Belgium for the holidays in December.

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply
  2. Janice Thompson says

    Dear Sophie,
    Do you know the artist responsible for the Dragon in your photos? It appears to be a modern piece but one never knows. Thanks

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Hey Janice,
      The original one dates back to the 14th century :)

      Reply

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