Belfry of Arras, Gothic bell tower in Place des Héros, France.
The Belfry of Arras is a Gothic stone tower on Place des Héros that rises approximately 75 meters high. Its distinctive appearance features a gilded lion on top, and it serves as the main focal point in Arras's principal public square.
Construction began under Duke Philip the Good and lasted from 1463 to 1554, spanning generations of building work. The structure was heavily damaged during World War I and then rebuilt completely between 1927 and 1931.
The carillon bells ring out across the square to mark moments of celebration and daily time, a tradition that has shaped life here for centuries. People gather below to listen to these sounds that connect them to their shared past.
The interior is open to visitors who can reach the observation platform via elevator and stairs, with groups limited to 19 people per ascent. Check opening hours before visiting, as they vary by season.
The 1920s reconstruction hid reinforced concrete within the stone structure, an innovative approach at the time for protecting historical masonry. This blend of traditional and modern materials is invisible from outside but marks an early example of how heritage sites began incorporating contemporary techniques.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
