Belfry of Loos, Neo-Flemish belfry in Loos, France

The Belfry of Loos is a 38-metre square tower of red brick with stone bands, built in neo-Flemish style. It projects from the centre of the town hall facade, has clock faces, and is topped by four bartizans and pinnacles. A vaulted porch at its foot is crowned by a bearded mascaron beneath the semi-circular balcony.

The belfry was built from 14 January 1883 to 17 August 1884 by architect Louis Marie Cordonnier on a former meadow, in the neo-Flemish style. It was listed as a monument historique in 2001 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005 among the belfries of Belgium and France.

The tower represents the independence of this town from church authority, which is visible in its central position in the city. Local residents connect this structure to their civic identity and the freedom to govern their own affairs.

Check ahead for guided tours and access times, as the tower is not always open to visitors without arrangement. The best views of the structure are from the surrounding streets of the town center, where you can appreciate its full height and design.

The belfry stands out from the town hall facade rather than rising from the ground on its own; it is a square tower of red brick with stone bands, topped by four corner turrets and pinnacles. At its foot, the vaulted porch carries a bearded man's head carved as a mascaron beneath the semi-circular balcony.