Belfries: Belgium’s striking City Towers

The belfry (Dutch belfort, French beffroi) is a significant architectural and historical landmark in Belgium, particularly in Flanders, but also in Wallonia and northern France. These imposing towers were erected in the Middle Ages by secular city authorities or guilds as symbols of civic power, often in contrast to that of the Church. Many of these belfries have been preserved in Belgium and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Most belfries were built during the Gothic period and rank among the most important secular buildings of the Middle Ages. Typically, a belfry is connected to the town hall or stands independently beside it.

As the safest place in a city, the tower usually housed the city archives and the treasury. Additionally, it served as a watchtower, with its bells warning the population of dangers such as fires or attacks, as well as announcing public matters. These duties were carried out by the tower keeper. A city bell also structured daily life, marking time and signaling various events.

Belgium is particularly rich in belfries. Their architectural designs are often stunning and reflect the craftsmanship of medieval builders. These structures showcase unique architectural styles, blending Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque influences.

My personal Top 5 Belfries in Belgium

Tournai

The oldest surviving belfry stands in Tournai, built in the 12th century. At 72 meters high, it is not only the oldest but also one of Belgium’s most impressive belfries.

Bruges

The Belfry of Bruges is one of Belgium’s most famous and most visited towers. Standing 83 meters tall, it dominates the city’s market square. Built in the 13th century, it houses an impressive carillon with 47 bells.

Mons

Built in the 17th century in Baroque style, this is Belgium’s only Baroque belfry and a striking landmark of the city. It stands on an elevated site, away from the town hall.

Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent, built in the 14th century, is crowned with a dragon figure, which has become a symbol of the city.

Charleroi

A more recent belfry from the early 20th century, it is connected to the town hall and represents a modern interpretation of traditional belfries.

I would also like to mention the belfry of Lille, located in French Flanders, near the Belgian border. This tower is particularly slender and tall (104 meters) and was only completed in 1932. It impresses with its magnificent Art Deco style.

The belfries of Belgium and France were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999, 33 of them in Belgium alone. This recognition highlights their historical and cultural significance. These towers are not only architectural masterpieces that reflect the history and development of medieval cities, but also symbols of freedom, self-governance, and economic prosperity.

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World Heritage in Belgium

Belgium is a small country filled with historically significant sites. Currently, there are 79 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Belgium, with more being added. Here is an updated overview:

Grand Place in Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels was built in the 11th century and is now the historic center of Brussels. Originally, the square showcased a vibrant mix of styles from the 15th to the 17th centuries. After its destruction in 1695, the city council redesigned it with its current cohesive Baroque façade.

Major houses of the architect Victor Horta in Brussels

Victor Horta was a Belgian Art Nouveau architect who gained international acclaim in the late 19th century for the innovative designs of his buildings.

Stoclet House in Brussels

The Stoclet Palace is a private villa designed by architect Josef Hoffmann, built between 1905 and 1911 in Brussels for banker and art enthusiast Adolphe Stoclet. Considered Hoffmann’s masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace is one of the most sophisticated and luxurious private houses of the 20th century.

33 Belfries in Flanders and Wallonia

Belfries were primarily built during the Gothic period and are tall, slender bell towers typical of Belgian (and northern French) cities.

26 Beguinages in Flanders

The Beguines and Beghards were members of a Christian community who lived together in monastic-style communities. The 26 preserved beguinages in Flanders are examples of typical architectural ensembles.

Historic Centre in Bruges

The medieval old town, with its historic buildings, impressive churches, and numerous canals, has been almost entirely preserved.

Plantin-Moretus House in Antwerp

The museum traces its origins to a printing house founded in 1555 and is the only preserved printing workshop from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai

Construction of the cathedral began in 1110 in the Romanesque style. Subsequent modifications introduced early Gothic elements. Due to its architectural harmony and historical significance, it is considered one of the most beautiful cultural monuments in Western Europe.

4 Boat Lifts of the Canal du Centre

The Canal du Centre connects the Canal Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes with the Charleroi-Brussels Canal. The height difference along its course posed a significant challenge during its construction. The boat lifts, mostly preserved in their original condition, were built between 1882 and 1917 to overcome this obstacle.

4 Walloon Mining Sites

The World Heritage sites includes the coal mines of Grand-Hornu, Bois-du-Luc, Bois du Cazier, and Blegny in the Walloon coal basin, dating from the industrial revolution. These four mines stretch across Belgium from east to west and are among the best-preserved mines from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes in Mons

The flint mines at Spiennes date back to the Neolithic period and are the largest in Europe, with shafts approximately 15 meters deep.

And also:

Carnival of Binche

Marches of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse

Processional Giants and Dragons

Traditional Games in Flanders

Shrimp Fishing on Horseback in Oostduinkerke

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