Belfry of Bruges (Belfort)

The Belfry of Bruges, known locally as the Belfort, rises about 83 metres above the Markt in the centre of the Flemish city of Bruges, in West Flanders, Belgium. Construction began in the 13th century, when the tower served as the treasury and archive of the city's wealthy merchant community, and the octagonal upper lantern was added in the 15th century. A neo-Gothic spire once crowned it but was lost to fire, which explains the flat parapet seen today. Visitors enter through the former Halle (market hall) courtyard at Markt 7 and climb 366 narrow spiral steps. The ascent passes the old treasury room, where the city's charters were once locked behind iron-bound chests, and the clock mechanism room, where the great drum that plays the carillon can be seen at close range. Higher up, the carillon of 47 bells chimes across the old town several times a day, and a carillonist gives concerts on selected days. The climb ends at an open gallery with a sweeping view over red-tiled roofs, the canal ring, the Burg square and, on clear days, the North Sea coast. The stair is tight, with two-way traffic on a single rope handrail, so the number of people allowed inside is limited and queues build up at midday in summer. A visit usually takes about an hour, plus any waiting time. The best photo angles are from the top gallery looking down onto the Markt with its statue of Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breydel, and from the square itself looking up at the tower with the gabled guild houses beside it. Early morning and evening slots are quietest, while late morning to mid-afternoon is busiest, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Timed tickets are sold online and reduce waiting at the entrance. Visitors with a fear of heights or limited stamina should note that there is no lift.