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Monument · Bruges, Flandres Ocidental
Belfort
13th-century tower on the Markt, 83 metres high with 366 steps to the top. Along the way you pass the medieval treasury room and the carillon of 47 bells; from up there you can see the whole city.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Belfort
The Belfort of Bruges began to be built around 1240, when the city was one of the major cloth-trading centers in Europe. The tower kept the city's charters, seals and money, in a treasury room that the visitor passes through during the climb.
The tower once reached 102 metres. A fire in 1741 destroyed the wooden spire, which was never rebuilt, and it remained at the current 83 metres. The structure has a slight lean to the east, of about 87 centimetres.
There are 366 steps in narrow staircases to the top. Near the summit is the carillon, installed in the 16th century, with 47 bells weighing about 27 tonnes in total. From the gallery you can see Bruges' houses and the surrounding countryside; on clear days the view reaches the sea.
The Belfort is part of the Belfries of Belgium and France group inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The tower appears in the film Na Mira do Chefe, filmed in Bruges.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour for the ascent, the stops at the treasury room and the carillon, and the descent.
Best time
Right at opening, in the morning, when the queue is shorter. On very windy or stormy days the climb may be suspended; check before you go.
How to get there
It is located on the Markt itself, in the center of Bruges, about a 20-minute walk from Brugge station.
Tip
Tickets are sold in advance on the official website, by time slot. The staircase is narrow and steep: it is not recommended for people with mobility difficulties or a fear of heights.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Belfort
How many steps does the Belfort have?
There are 366 steps to the top of the tower, which is 83 meters high.
Do you need to buy a ticket beforehand?
Yes, tickets are sold in advance for timed entry. If the tower closes because of strong wind, your booking can be rescheduled.
Can children climb it?
They can, if accompanied. The staircase is narrow and tiring, which requires stamina and care with little ones.