Dunkirk Belfry

Rising 58 meters above the city, the Dunkirk Belfry is a must-see. It’s one of the oldest buildings in town, and if you’re up for a bit of a climb, the top offers a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city and beyond. Originally built in the 13th century as a watchtower, it stood as a lookout for centuries. In 1450, the Saint-Eloi Church was built right beside it, and the belfry began serving as its bell tower — although it never lost its role as a watchtower. In 1558, the church was heavily damaged by fire, but the tower survived. Reconstruction began soon after, however, due to lack of funds, the section connecting the church to the tower was never rebuilt. In fact, in the 18th century, a road was laid between the two, separating them for good. Today, the belfry houses a 50-bell carillon, the largest of which is named Jean Bart — a nod to the city’s most famous privateer. Like many other belfries in Northern France and Belgium, Dunkirk’s is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built between the 11th and 17th centuries, these towers were symbols of power and independence — the equivalent of grand town halls, designed to show off the city’s wealth and civic pride. Some cities, like Dunkirk, even have two belfries — one on the Town Hall, and one here. Pretty impressive, right? One thing is certain: this tower is a proud part of Dunkirk’s history, both architecturally and symbolically. Don’t miss the chance to climb it and see the city from a whole new perspective!