Belfort van Herentals, Medieval belfry in Herentals, Belgium
Belfort van Herentals is a medieval tower built in 1534 from red Oevelse bricks and light-colored sandstone, rising about 35 meters above the Grote Markt. The structure contains a carillon of 49 bells inside that ring throughout the day and is attached to a tourism office.
The original tower served as a cloth hall until a major fire destroyed it in 1512. The current structure was rebuilt in 1534 and has remained a central landmark ever since.
The belfry marks the center of town life and shapes how locals and visitors experience the main square. Its tower is a gathering point and landmark that people naturally orient themselves toward when moving through the area.
A tourism office operates from the base of the tower during weekday mornings and early afternoons. Hours vary on weekends, so it is worth checking ahead if you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
The tower displays a clear color transition from light stone at the base to red brick in its upper half, reflecting the materials available during rebuilding after the 1512 fire. This visible blend of two distinct materials tells a subtle story about how medieval builders adapted to what was on hand.
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