Belfry of Bruges, Medieval bell tower in Markt Square, Belgium
The Belfry of Bruges rises from the Markt as a tall square tower of grey-brown brick, its lower half a broad hall-like block with rows of arched windows and a central arched doorway. Above, a narrow shaft carries tall paired lancet openings, a round clock face, and a projecting open gallery of small arches near the top, capped by corner turrets and a steep spire. The tower leans 87 centimetres to the east.
Construction of this tower began in 1240 as part of the city's civic structures. A major fire in 1280 destroyed the original building, prompting several reconstruction and renovation phases over the following centuries.
The carillon player performs regularly from a keyboard high inside the tower, sending melodies across the city center throughout the day. This musical tradition shapes how locals experience time and gather in the square below.
Reaching the top means climbing a narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps. The passage is tight and the ascent steady, so allow time and wear firm footwear. The tower is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the carillon plays on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
The tower leans 87 centimetres toward the east, a tilt already worrying authorities in the 16th century, when its corners were reinforced with heavy piers in 1554. The swinging bourdon bell named Maria, cast by Melchior de Haze in 1680, weighs about 6 tonnes and rings only on the King's birthday and a dozen special occasions.
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