Belfort (Belfry & Carillon), Brugge

Belfort (Belfry & Carillon), Brugge (must see)

The Belfry of Brugge, or Belfort, is a medieval bell tower in the historic center of Brugge. 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. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible to the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83-meter-high building, which leans about a meter to the east.

The Belfry was added to the main market square around 1240. In the 16th century, the tower received a carillon, allowing the bells to be played by means of a hand keyboard. In 1675 the carillon comprised 35 bells, designed by Melchior de Haze of Antwerp. There were 48 bells at the end of the 19th century, but today the bells number 47, together weighing about 27.5 tons.

In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city’s charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur’s chamber.

Why You Should Visit:
Climbing the bell tower on a clear day is well worth it if you are not easily claustrophobic and you can manage the 350+ steps.

Tip:
Definitely go and listen to the free bell ringing concerts on Mondays & Wednesdays (9-10pm). You can just sit in the square and listen or in a café with a drink. Programmes are available from the Belfort website.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Belfort (Belfry & Carillon) on Map

Sight Name: Belfort (Belfry & Carillon)
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium

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