Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent is a medieval civic bell tower in the centre of Ghent, Belgium, built beginning in the early 14th century and rising to 91 metres. It is an emblem of the city’s medieval autonomy and part of the group of Belfries of Belgium and France recognised by UNESCO.

The tower’s main draw is the elevated viewing platform at 91 metres, which provides wide views over Ghent’s historic core and the River Lys. Inside visitors can see the bell chamber and the spaces once used to secure the city’s charters and treasury. The belfry’s exterior is topped by a historic weather-vane in the form of a gilded dragon that functions as a local symbol.

Construction began in the early 1300s; the structure was raised over the 14th century to serve as a watchtower, municipal archive and bell tower that regulated city life. Over the centuries it has been repaired and adapted but retains its medieval plan and many original functions as a civic monument.

Sited in Ghent’s historic centre next to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the medieval Cloth Hall, the belfry sits in the pedestrianised Sint-Baafsplein area. It is within walking distance of other principal attractions in Ghent city centre.

• Height: The tower stands 91 metres above the city and its top platform gives a panoramic 360 degree view over Ghent's medieval centre.
• UNESCO listing: Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France, recognising its civic and architectural role.
• Location tip: Located immediately adjacent to **Saint Bavo's Cathedral** and the historic Cloth Hall, making it easy to visit both sites in one visit.

What to See #

• Cloth Hall: Attached medieval commercial hall built alongside the tower and historically used for cloth trade; the hall forms part of the same complex as the belfry.
• Treasury: Room within the tower where municipal charters and the city treasury were historically stored; this area is often displayed to visitors.
• Carillon / Bell Chamber: The bell and carillon chamber housing the civic bells and mechanisms used historically to mark time and sound alarms; the bells are still a focal point of the monument.