Calais Belfry

Belfries are deeply rooted in the heritage of northern France. They once symbolized civic pride and power, while also adding vertical drama to landscapes that were mostly flat. In Calais, the belfry—attached to the Town Hall—is no exception. While it’s a striking symbol today, its original purpose was largely political, marking the union between the once-separate towns of Calais and Saint-Pierre-lès-Calais. The idea was born in 1885, delayed in 1887, revived in 1901, and after years of setbacks, the belfry was finally completed and inaugurated in 1925. That long timeline makes it the most modern belfry in the region to be officially listed as a historical monument. Standing 75 meters tall and built from red Kortrijk brick, the tower blends Flemish and Renaissance styles. Near the top, you’ll spot four yellow clock faces and four golden knights pointing toward the cardinal directions. To crown it all there is a weather vane in the shape of a dragon—a mythical guardian once believed to protect both treasures and people.
Unlike many older towers, the Calais belfry was built with an empty interior and was originally accessible only to the clock technician. That changed in 2012, when it opened to the public. Today, visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views over the city, offering real insight into Calais’s layers of history. In 2005, it was proudly added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list, alongside 22 other belfries in northern France and Belgium.