The Belfry of Bruges

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, the Belfry of Bruges didn’t need a title to earn its fame. A powerful symbol of authority in the Middle Ages, this towering structure traces its origins back to the mid-13th century. Originally built from wood, the belfry later underwent a major transformation after a fire destroyed much of the city’s archives in 1296. Part of the tower was rebuilt in stone—an improvement, but not enough to prevent two more fires. Eventually, the entire structure was reconstructed in stone. In its early days, the belfry served as a place for proclaiming laws and as a treasury. It later became a tool for public communication, and its bells rang out to mark celebrations or to summon the population in times of war. Today, the belfry is one of Bruges’ top attractions. With a ticket, visitors can explore it in two stages… Firstly, if you climb the first 50 steps, you’ll reach the old treasury. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are another 316 steps which will take you to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city. You might even catch a glimpse of the sea on a clear day. Here’s a fun detail: the Belfry of Bruges is part of the “leaning tower” family—like Pisa, but on a much smaller scale. Its tilt measures just 83 centimetres and is barely visible to the naked eye.