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Tower · Mons, Hainaut
Beffroi de Mons
The only Baroque beffroi tower in Belgium, at 87 metres with 49 bells, sitting atop the Mons hill. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it has an interpretation centre and a panoramic lift to the viewing platform.
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 Beffroi de Mons
The Beffroi de Mons was built between 1662 and 1669 on the highest point of the town, the old hill of the castle of the Counts of Hainaut. The design is by the Mons architect Louis Ledoux, who oversaw the work until his death; engineer Vincent Anthony completed it. At 87 metres, it is the only beffroi tower in the Baroque style in Belgium.
Beffrois were the towers of free towns: they housed the bell that summoned residents, the commune's documents and a fire watch. Mons' beffroi is part of the group of beffrois in Belgium and France listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The carillon has 49 bells and plays melodies throughout the day.
Since 2015 the tower has housed an interpretation centre, with screens and objects from Mons' collections, telling the story of the building and the city. A panoramic elevator takes visitors to the top, from where you can see the roof of Sainte-Waudru, the Grand-Place and, on clear days, the spoil heaps of the old Borinage mines.
Around the tower lies the parc du Château, a garden on the hilltop with remains of the medieval walls and the chapel of Saint-Calixte, Mons' oldest building. From there, steps and slopes descend to the Collégiale Sainte-Waudru and the Grand-Place.
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 45 minutes to 1 hour, including the interpretation centre and the viewpoint.
Best time
On clear days, for the view over the Borinage. In the morning there are usually fewer people in the elevator. On days with carillon concerts, scheduled throughout the year, you can hear the bells from the park. The tower is closed on Mondays; check before you go.
How to get there
From the Grand-Place it's a 5-minute walk, uphill along rue des Clercs to the parc du Château. From Gare de Mons it's about a 15-minute walk, mostly uphill.
Tip
Combine the visit with Sainte-Waudru by descending the steps from the parc du Château. The elevator makes the visit easier for those who cannot climb stairs. Bring a jacket, as it is often windy at the top.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Beffroi de Mons
Do you need to climb stairs?
No. A panoramic elevator takes you up to the viewpoint at the top of the tower.
Why is the beffroi a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It is part of the group of belfries of Belgium and France, inscribed in 1999 for representing the independence of medieval and modern towns. Mons's is the only Baroque one in Belgium.
What's inside the tower?
An interpretation center, opened in 2015, with panels and objects about the history of the belfry, the city and its UNESCO recognition, as well as the viewpoint and the carillon of 49 bells.
What day is it closed?
On Mondays, and on some days during the Doudou festival. Check before you go.