Belfry of Ghent

UNESCO-listed medieval tower with spectacular views over Ghent's rooftops

Address Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Ghent
Opening Hours Daily 10:00–18:00

The Belfry is the tallest of Ghent's three medieval towers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the belfries of Belgium and France. At 91 metres, it was built between 1313 and 1380 to symbolise the city's autonomy and power — in medieval Flanders, only a free city could build a belfry. The climb rewards you with one of the best urban panoramas in Belgium, looking out over the tiled rooftops toward Saint Bavo's, Saint Nicholas', and the Graslei.

The tower houses a 54-bell carillon, a collection of medieval documents, and an interactive museum on Flemish city life. The original "Roland" bell is displayed inside. Access is by lift and stairs.

things to do sight
A story
The Belfry was built starting in 1313 to house the city's great bell, "Roland," which was rung to summon citizens in times of emergency. When the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V — who was born in Ghent — punished the city for rebelling against a tax in 1540, he forced the city's notables to walk barefoot in white robes with nooses around their necks. To this day, Ghentians call themselves "Stroppendragers" — noose-wearers — as a badge of stubborn pride.