Belfry of Ghent

Introduction

The Belfry of Ghent is a medieval tower about 91 meters high in the heart of the old town, a pride and symbol of freedom for Ghent. Climbing it offers a magnificent panorama of the old town, and together with Bruges' Belfry it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Belfries of Belgium and France. This majestic belfry was begun in the 14th century, a symbol of Ghent as a prosperous self-governing city; once used for watch and timekeeping, tolling alarms, and storing the city's privilege documents, guarding citizens' freedom and rights, with a gilded dragon weathervane atop the tower. Inside are historic carillon and great bells whose melodious chimes echo over the old town. Visitors take an elevator or stairs to the high viewing platform; from there the old town's endless red roofs, the spires of St. Bavo's and St. Nicholas' cathedrals, the winding Leie River and distant cityscape unfold—grand and charming. As part of the world-heritage belfries, Ghent's Belfry, together with the cathedral spires on either side, forms the famous Three Towers skyline of Ghent. Climb the belfry with a sense of history and overlook all of Ghent. Mind safety when climbing, watch children; respect the world-heritage monument; visit civilly.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info