Sint-Pieterstoren, Gothic bell tower in Ostend, Belgium
Sint-Pieterstoren is a Gothic bell tower in Ostend with an octagonal upper section rising from a square base. The structure stands behind the Sint-Petrus and Sint-Paulus Church and displays architectural features that evolved across different building periods.
Construction began in 1478, and the tower remains the sole surviving structure from the original Sint-Pieterskerk after the church burned down in 1896. The building endured the destruction that consumed the rest of the church and has stood as a monument ever since.
Local residents call the tower Peperbusse, a name rooted in the traditional Ostend dialect that connects generations to their architectural heritage. This popular name shows how deeply the structure is woven into the city's daily life.
The tower opens regularly for public visits and allows you to explore its interior spaces and learn about how it changed over time. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb the stairs, and check opening times before your visit.
A female hermit took residence inside the tower walls starting in February 1484, creating an unusual chapter in the structure's early years. This exceptional resident lived a secluded life within the building's stone walls.
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