Belfry Tower - Belfort, Brugge

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The great Belfry dominates the Markt (Town Square) and was built between 1280 and 1350 after its wooden predecessor was destroyed by fire. An additional octagonal tower was added in 1486 and if you look carefully you will see it leans out by 4' at its summit.
At its base the building is now used for cultural events.
There are 366 steps to the top of the Belfry and we did not do this but spoke to people who did and they said it was a long climb but the view from the top was fantastic.
The 6 tonne great bell and the 47 piece carillon are high in the tower too and peel every 15 minutes.
Open from 9.30 to 17.00 and 2013 price is 8 euro with concessions at 6 euro.

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The belfry tower is over 83 metres tall. Climb the 366 steps to the top and discover on the way a treasury, an impressive clockwork mechanism, and a carillon with 47 bells. Your achievement will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Bruges and the surrounding countryside.

situado en el centro histórico de Brujas, en el lado sur del Markt, la plaza
principal de la ciudad. Se edificó inicialmente en el siglo XIII, época en que Brujas comenzó a
prosperar como centro de la industria flamenca de los paños.

If you are not satisfied enjoying the view of the Belfry tower from the ground in the market square then you can take the 366 steps to the top for a good view over the area. Built from the 13th century onwards the Belfry tower is central to the towns image. It's almost 84 metres in height, so best have a good breakfast before you start to climb....

Open from 9-5 every day apart from Christmas day and New Years day, 8€ for adults, 6€ for concessions, kids 4€ (0-5 free)

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One of the common themes in many of the towns and cities of Flanders is the presence of the Belfry or Belfort in or near the town square (Markt). Brugge is no exception and it's octagonal belfort built between the 13th and 15th centuries dominates the wide open space of the Markt. The tower rises to 83 metres and there are some excellent views from the top, although I prefer the unexpected glimpses of the Belfort that you get as you meander around the streets of central Brugge.

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“I remember to the present day the effect produced on me by the first hearing, after so many years, of the “carillon” in the matchless tower of Bruges.”
— from “What I Remember, Volume 3” by Thomas Adolphus Trollope (1810-1892)

Belfort’s bells served several functions. The bells, each with its own distinct sound, would be rung for danger, such as fire; important announcements; mark the time.

As you climb the 366 steps to the top of Belfort, just before you reach the top, take a look into the carillon room. At the quarter hour the 47 bells sound, by mechanical means, playing the giant barrel and movable tabs. From bellissimo to fortissimo the sound of the bells change on the hour. Concerts are offered by a carillonist, who plays the manual keyboard with fists and feet, rather than with fingers.

Belfort is open from 09:30 to 17:00. And it is closed on New Year’s Day, the 1st of January; the afternoon of Ascension Day, the 15th of August; and Christmas Day, the 25th of December. For security reasons a maximum of 70 persons at one time are allowed in the tower.

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“The market-house, built of brick, (temp. Edward III.) a Gothic structure, is perhaps the most remarkable building in Bruges; of its kind, the finest we ever beheld. It stands fronting a very spacious square, of well-built houses. From the centre arises a tower of an immense height. Indeed the height bears no proportion to the lower part of the building. The spire of this extraordinary erection, a few years since, was destroyed by lightning. The tower is elegantly ornamented with Gothic devices. It rises above every thing in Bruges; and go where you will, it is constantly seen, peering its lofty head, like a point of direction.”
— from a letter written by Anna Eliza Stothard Bray (1790-1883, British novelist) to her mother Mrs. Kempe from Hotel de Pays Bas, Bruges, 20.September.1820

Dominating Brugge’s Grote Markt (Market Square), the city’s colorful heart, the Belfort (Belfry) has stood since 1300. Belfort is over 272 feet (83 metres) tall. There are 366 steps to climb to reach the top and survey the town and its surroundings with a 360° view.

The first tower was destroyed by fire in 1280. The present octagonal lantern was added between 1482 and 1486. A wooden spire that crowned the tower was destroyed by fire in 1493 and in 1741, after which it was not rebuilt. Belfort was home to Brugge’s important documents and treasury; in addition, it served as a watchtower. Today, Belfort offers the lovely music of a carillion, consisting of 47 bells.

Belfort is open from 09:30 to 17:00. And it is closed on New Year’s Day, the 1st of January; the afternoon of Ascension Day, the 15th of August; and Christmas Day, the 25th of December. For security reasons a maximum of 70 persons at one time are allowed in the tower.

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“In this city are many vestiges of the splendour of the Burgundian Dukedom, and the long black mantle universally worn by the females is probably a remnant of the old Spanish connection, which, if I do not much deceive myself, is traceable in the grave deportment of its inhabitants. Bruges is comparatively little disturbed by that curious contest, or rather conflict, of Flemish with French propensities in matters of taste, so conspicuous through other parts of Flanders.”
— an 1822 entry in the Journal of William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

After climbing a narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps of the 272-foot tall Belfort, accessible an entry tariff, you'll be rewarded with a 360° view of Brugge and its surrounding countryside. Plus, it is great aerobic exercise! It is said that the tower leans about a three feet to the east. The view is superb and it is a must for all. Although there are benches at resting spots between your journey’s start and the top, you may want to tackle this sight as soon as you reach Brugge.

Belfort is open from 09:30 to 17:00. And it is closed on New Year’s Day, the 1st of January; the afternoon of Ascension Day, the 15th of August; and Christmas Day, the 25th of December. For security reasons a maximum of 70 persons at one time are allowed in the tower.

Its hard to miss it on size alone. At 88 meters it is the tallest building on the town square. The 366 steps to the top are a work out by any standard. The impressive bells can be heard throughout the City. According to what we read the Belfry was built sometime during the 13th and 15th century, a pretty great range, compared to other buildings in the City. At one time the Belfry housed the City's treasury operations.

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The Belfort dates from the 13th Century with the final storey added in the 15th. It is located in the Market square (Markt) and all 83 metres of it can be seen for miles around. A wooden spire once held its' position on the top of the tower but this was destroyed by lightening in 1483 and then by fire in 1741. To get a great view of the City and surrounding area you can climb the 366 steps to the summit - not for the fainthearted as I've been told the spiral staircase is quite challenging! There is also a small museum to be seen which I believe was being renovated in early 2012.

The Belfort is open daily; 9.30 - 5pm there is an admisson charge.

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The Belfry of Bruges or Belfort is a medieval Bell tower in the historical centre of the city.One of the city's most prominent symbols it houses a treasury and municipal archives,and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers.A narrow steep staircase of 366 steps,accessible by the public for an entry fee leads to the top of the 83-metre high building,which leans about a metre to the east.To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall,a retangular building with an inner courtyard.The Belfry is also known as'Halletoren' meaning 'Tower of the Halls'.
The tower was opened in 1240 then re-built in 1280 due to a fire which destroyed most of the city.There were 48 bells in the tower at the end of the 19th century,today they number 47.Each weighs about 27.5 tonnes.
The Belfry is open from 9.30am till 5pm(except monday's) and is 8 euros entry fee.