How To Experience the Belfry of Bruges ?

You’ve heard about the five-hundred-year-old-Belfry of Bruges. If you’re not a history expert, what do you need to know about this famous landmark? 

Why Is The Belfry of Bruges Famous?

Located in the center of Bruges, the Belfry is one of the city’s oldest buildings. In fact, the Unesco recognises the Belfry as one of the city’s key features: “Bruges has preserved the architectural and urban structures which document the different phases of its development including the central Market Place with its belfry.” Standing 83 meters (272 feet) tall, the Belfry has been central to the city’s landscape for centuries since the 1400s.

Unlike other medieval buildings, you can also listen to the Belfry. The Belfry has 47 bells, and many of them are rung throughout the day.

For an up-close and personal experience of the Belfry, put on your comfortable walking shoes. By climbing the structure’s 300 winding steps, you will have an excellent view of the city.

What To Visit After Seeing The Belfry of Bruges?

So where should you go next? Fortunately, there are plenty of other interesting sights nearby. If you want to experience a different kind of art, check out the Salvador Dali museum, which has sculptures and graphic works by the noted Spanish artist. Opened in 1991, the museum shows the Bruges has more to offer than medieval history.

On the other hand, if you are looking to explore the real-world inspiration for Game of Thrones, visit the Torture Museum! Located on the site of a historic prison, it shows how far we have come in criminal justice.

What Can I Read To Learn More About Bruges’s History?

Want some reading suggestions to put the Belfry of Bruges into context? We have three ideas for you: one for the history enthusiasts, a poetry recommendation and a historical fiction novel

Medieval Bruges: c. 850-1550 Edited by Andrew Brown and Jan Dumolyn. Published by Cambridge University Press, this is the book to read if you want to dive into the history of the city in great depth. We recommend it for history majors who wish to explore the city’s development across the centuries.

The Belfry of Bruges and Other Poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. First published in December 1845, this small work of poetry helped to raised Bruges to fame in the English-speaking world.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. While this novel is set in England rather than Belgium, it is about the building of a cathedral. If you want to imagine what it was like to live in and build a medieval city, Follet’s novel will help your imagination. Or you can cheat and watch the 8 part Pillar of Earth mini-series.

Finding A Place To Stay In Bruges

To see the Belfry of Bruges and experience the city, you need an excellent place to stay. Please browse our selection of Bruges guesthouses. We have a few properties located close to Belfry so you can hear the bells in the morning as you wake up!