Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle), Flanders, Belgium

4Lucian M 5:00 PM Nov 26, 2022

A landmark of city’s history
Being very close to Sint-Niklaaskirk, or Saint Nicholas' Church, we decided to go up to Belfort, or Belfry – that's because we weren't able to do the same in Bruges. So Belfry is located in the central square of the city at a very short distance from Sint-Niklaaskirk/Saint Nicholas' Church. Next to the tower, against it, is a building that houses a very wide hall that was in the old days the Cloth Hall - cloth trade brought prosperity to the city during that period. We learned that the purpose of Belfry was not only to house the bells with which religious moments were marked, or certain events were announced, or the passage of time were announced, but here documents of great value and importance for the city were also preserved, such as those regarding the commercial privileges that the city acquired in the early Middle Ages. With its 91 m, it is the highest Belfry in Belgium. You can climb the tower with an elevator, but we preferred to go down using the stairs. From the narrow balcony under the clock, beautiful photos of the city can be taken. Inside the tower is a small museum.

4Mikey1664 5:00 PM Jun 27, 2022

Worth a visit
Worth a visit for the views and interesting history. Very narrow staircase but the guides in the entrance hall will recommend either the lift or stairs depending on volumes of people. You can flit up and down in the (glass) lifts anyway without trouble as you can see if they are occupied. View from the top is bracing if you have a head for heights.