Het Belfort van Gent

About

The Belfry of Ghent (Dutch: Belfort van Gent) stands proudly at the heart of Ghent, Belgium, as one of the three medieval towers that crown the old city centre. At 91 metres (299 ft) it is the tallest belfry in Belgium and forms an iconic part of the city’s skyline alongside St. Nicholas’ Church and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.  Construction of the tower began in 1313 and was completed in 1380, an endeavor that spanned five centuries of wars, plagues and political upheaval. Its spire, originally designed by architect Lieven Cruyl in 1684, was never built; instead a baroque spire was added in 1771, and the current stone spire was installed after the iron version was replaced in 1851. The tower’s façade is crowned by a gilded dragon – a fierce guardian that watches over the historic city centre – which was moved from Bruges in the 14th century and has become a trademark of Ghent’s skyline. For centuries the belfry served not only as a bell tower announcing the hour and warnings, but also as a fortified watchtower and the repository for the city’s municipal privileges. The carillon – a 30‑tonne monument of 53 bells that evolved from the 17th‑century Hemony instruments to a restored set in 1982 – rings out from the tower, echoing across the city. Today the Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ghent’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can climb the tower’s 300 stone steps to reach the observation deck, which offers sweeping panoramic views of Ghent’s medieval quarter, the Leie River, and the surrounding countryside. The climb is physically demanding but the reward is a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Guided tours, day tickets and a small entrance fee are available, and the site is open every day of the week, providing an accessible and unforgettable experience for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes