Belfort van Brugge description and photos - Belgium: Bruges (Topic)

Belfort van Brugge description and photos - Belgium: Bruges. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Belfort van Brugge.

Photo and description

The watch tower, 83 m high, was built in the 13th century. It serves as a symbol of the desire of citizens of medieval cities for freedom.

The upper octahedral part was completed at the end of the 15th century. A magnificent panoramic view of the city and its surroundings opens from the height of the 366th step. There are also 49 bells that create a carillon - a sonorous bell ringing. The most important - the victory bell - was cast in 1680 and weighs about 6,000 kg and reaches two meters in diameter. Currently, the tower contains ancient letters about the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.

The watchtower served as the main observation post, from the height of which the enemy could be seen from afar. Through the central entrance you enter a rectangular courtyard, from where you can climb the stairs to the gallery. The lower floor of the building houses the Museum of Archeology, which contains historical relics and art objects.

In a niche above the entrance, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary, under which there is a small balcony with an iron fence. From here, until 1769, all laws and regulations concerning the life of the townspeople were proclaimed.

At different times and historical periods, Belfort was subjected to rough treatment, as evidenced by the numerous scars on its walls. Despite this, the Watchtower has survived to this day and is an important historical and architectural part of Bruges.

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Topic: Belfort van Brugge description and photos - Belgium: Bruges.