Belfry of Bruges, Medieval bell tower in Markt Square, Belgium
The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval tower standing above the main market square in the city center, showcasing Brabantine Gothic architecture. The structure houses a carillon of 47 bells beneath an octagonal upper section and can be accessed by climbing to an observation level.
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.
The climb to the observation platform involves navigating a steep internal staircase, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes for the ascent. The narrow passageways mean going at your own pace is necessary, especially during busy times.
The tower leans slightly toward the east, giving it a distinctive tilt visible to observers from the square below. Following a 1741 fire, 26 new bells were cast and installed, many of which remain in use today.
Location: Bruges
Architectural style: Brabantine Gothic
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Fee: Yes
Charge: 15 EUR
Part of: Belfries of Belgium and France, Musea Brugge, Lakenhalle
Address: Markt 7
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-18:00
Phone: +3250448743
Website: https://visitbruges.be/nl/belfort
GPS coordinates: 51.20827,3.22482
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Collection of historical and architectural landmarks in the medieval city of Bruges, including religious buildings, squares, canals, and museums that represent the city's cultural heritage from the 13th to 15th centuries.
Flanders in Belgium is a region with a rich history stretching back centuries. Visitors find medieval town centers, old castles, cathedrals, and museums that tell stories of trade, art, and craftsmanship. Cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp display the architecture and culture of earlier times, while smaller towns like Damme and Veurne preserve the character of the past. In Bruges, visitors can walk through narrow streets, relax by the canals, and taste Belgian beer in traditional breweries. Ghent stands out for its Graslei waterfront and the imposing Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Antwerp offers a town hall on the Grand-Place, a respected diamond museum, and the Rubenshuis, the home of painter Peter Paul Rubens. Along the coast, visitors find beach towns like Blankenberge and Knokke-Heist, a nostalgic tram, and nature reserves. Inland, there are war museums in Ieper, chocolate museums in several cities, and specialized collections like the harp museum. Fishermen in Oostduinkerke preserve traditional methods, while parks and nature areas offer space to explore.
Museum van het Heilig Bloed
148 m
Markt
75 m
Historic Centre of Brugge
78 m
Burg
144 m
Bruges City Hall
150 m
Provinciaal Hof
75 m
Brugs Beer Museum
56 m
Historium Bruges
104 m
Cranenburg House
90 m
Rosary Quay
233 m
Old Civil Registry of the City of Bruges
187 m
Nepomucenusbrug
200 m
Het Steen
104 m
Provostry of St. Donatian
108 m
Sint-Godelieveabdij
120 m
Ambachtshuis van de huidenvetters
214 m
Hotel de Orangerie
188 m
Bourgogne des Flandres brewery
192 m
De Gouden Haspe and De Kleine Haspe
134 m
House Perez de Malvenda
185 m
Oude Burg 17-19
150 m
Kartuizerinnenkapel
150 m
Wollestraat 34
189 m
Saint John of Nepomuk
202 m
Monument to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck
82 m
Manor of the Liberty of Bruges
178 m
Frank Van Acker
220 m
The Lovers
152 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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Very friendly welcome 366 steps great view 15€
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