Belfry Bruges: Is it worth the climb?
Belfry Bruges: Is it worth the climb?
The Belfry tower is the pride of Bruges. It is one of three towers that make the landscape in Bruges.This medieval bell tower is one of the symbols of the city, But what to expect when visiting the Belfry of Bruges, are the views from the top really that impressive, and is it worth your time and money? Find out!
How high is the Belfry tower in Bruges?
The Belfry Tower in Bruges stands majestically above the city, but just how high does this historic tower soar? With its impressive height of 83 meters and 366 steps, the Belfry Tower is an architectural marvel that has adorned Bruges' skyline for centuries.
Belfry of Bruges - Some history
Belfry towers were a symbol of the power and the wealth of the cities during the middle ages. It was a way to show off the prosperity and the power of the city towards the count. The Belfry tower is the most important building on the Market square which was the commercial heart of Bruges, so had it's purpose.
The Belfry tower was built in 1250 but had many faces. Started in 1250 with one level it evolved all up to four levels in the 15th century.
Unfortunately one level burned down in the 17th century. So the Belfry tower you see today is the 17th century version.
The Belfry tower is one of the oldest civil buildings in Gothic architecture. Together with the other 55 Belfry towers in Belgium and France they are Unesco heritage since 1999.
Visiting the Belfry tower
The Belfry offers lots of good reasons to visit: history, great views, an amazing clockwork mechanism, and a bell tower with 47 bells.
Climbing the Belfry of Bruges
Climbing the belfry of Bruges is an unforgettable experience that takes you to the heights of history and stunning vistas. Situated in the heart of this enchanting Belgian city, the belfry offers an opportunity to literally rise above the rooftops and admire the breathtaking panoramas stretching over the medieval streets and canals.
Listen to the carillon
On top we have the carillon which is a music instrument and a group of bells. The carillon in Bruges has 47 bells and is played by a carillon player. The carillon looks like a piano but with sticks in wood.
Bruges has three official carillon players which give, in summer time, every 10 days a carillon concert in the evening on the Market square. The Belfry tower of Bruges has the biggest carillon of it's kind in France and Belgium.
Fun fact about the Belfry of Bruges
When people look well at the Belfry tower they will see that the tower is not straight anymore. It leans one meter to the left if you look at the front side of the tower.
The reason for this is simple. The city of Bruges was built on a sand hill which makes the soil not 100% stable. Constructors in the 13th century even used cow skins to make the soil more stable.
Practical info
The Belfry tower can be visited every day from 9 am until 7 pm and costs 15€. An average condition to climb the tower is recommended. It has a workout of climbing of at least 20 floors.
The Belfry tower is the most important building on the Market square which was the commercial heart of Bruges, so had it's purpose. More information on the Market square you find here.
Get more information about the history and the habits around Bruges in our history tour or culinary and history tour. The topic of the Belfry tower is a part of our tour together with the other places to visit in the city centre. For more information click the button below.
FAQ
1. Is climbing the Belfry in Bruges worth it?
Yes — if you're reasonably comfortable with stairs. The climb is 366 steps to 83 metres, the equivalent of about 20 floors. The view from the top is the best in the city: the full medieval layout of Bruges spread out below, the canals visible from above, the countryside beginning at the edges of the old walls. Inside the tower you also pass the clockwork mechanism and reach the carillon — 47 bells, the largest carillon of its kind in Belgium and France. Practical note: the tower is open daily from 9am to 7pm and costs €15 per person.
2. What is the history of the Belfry tower in Bruges?
The Belfry was started in 1250 as a single level and evolved over the following centuries into four levels by the 15th century. One level burned down in the 17th century, so what you see today is essentially the 17th-century version of a medieval tower. Belfry towers in the Middle Ages were symbols of civic power and wealth — a statement of the city's independence and commercial strength directed at the count of Flanders. The Belfry is one of 56 belfry towers in Belgium and France that are collectively recognised as UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. There's also a detail worth noticing from the Markt: the tower leans one metre to the left. The city of Bruges was built on a sand hill with unstable soil — 13th-century builders even used cow skins to stabilise the ground beneath it.
3. What is the carillon at the Belfry of Bruges?
The carillon is a musical instrument made up of a set of bells — 47 in Bruges — played from a keyboard that looks like a piano fitted with wooden sticks. Three official carillon players are attached to the city, and in summer they give evening concerts on the Markt every ten days. When the bells ring from street level in a quiet part of the centre, the sound carries in a way that is difficult to describe until you've heard it. The carillon in Bruges is the largest of its kind in Belgium and France.