Whenever I visit a city, I like to look for a gazebo from where to have the best panoramic views of them.
And in the case of my recent trip to Ghent on the occasion of the Floralias, In the Belgian region of Flanders, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to ride one of their famous medieval towers.
Well, indeed, the Municipal Bell TowerKnown as Belfort, forms one of the most typical images of the beautiful Flemish city, next to the towers of the Cathedral of San Bavón and the Church of San Nicolás.
This most typical image of Ghent you have it since San Miguel bridge, with a perspective in which the three towers They line up occupying the Bell tower the central point.
The bell towers such as that of Ghent, spread in medieval times in countries such as Belgium and France, and today these towers were declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco.
All the information in detail
History Belfort Bell Tower of Ghent
Specifically the Belfort municipal bell tower in Ghent Construction began in 1313, but was not completed until 1380.
At that time the bells warned the population of Ghent about the arrival of the enemy or gave the news of a military victory.
The largest of the tower's bells, known as Roland, became famous until the king charles v He ordered it destroyed when he conquered Ghent in 1619.
La Bell Triomphante that replaced it, you can see it today on a pedestal in the square that opens between the bell tower and the church of San Nicolás,
This current location is due to the fact that this bell in turn was replaced in 1938 by another bell.
How to climb the Belfort Bell Tower in Ghent
To go to the top of the bell tower you can do it by walking up the stairs...or in an elevator that takes you to the top floor where there is a carillon of 40 bells, which was built taking advantage of the foundry of the famous bell Roland.
When I visited I was lucky that the operation of the carillon coincided, something quite curious to see, so I advise you that, as far as possible, you make your visit coincide with an hour on the hour.
Once at the highest point of the bell tower, you will have the opportunity to go around a balcony so that you will enjoy excellent 360 degree panoramic views of Ghent.
In the foreground on both sides you will have the other two famous Ghent towers, but from there you can also see other more distant corners such as the castle of the Counts of Flanders.
Al pie of the bell tower you have the rectangular building of what was the Cloth Hall, which began to be built in 1425.
Schedule to visit Ghent Municipal Bell Tower
The Visiting hours of the Ghent Municipal Bell Tower They are every day of the week, from 10 a.m. to 18:XNUMX p.m.
The ticket prices (2020) are, 8 euros, the general one; 6 euros, for seniors +65; 2,70 euros, students; and 1,60 euros, for those under 19 years of age.
Admission is free for children under 12, disabled people and card holders Ghent CityCard.
Photos of panoramic views of Ghent
Here are more photos of the excellent ones panoramic views of Ghent What will you see when you climb to the top of the Municipal Bell Tower Belfort.
What good information. Thank you, it will be of great help. I would like to know where I should stay overnight in Ghent or Bruges? I will be in Brussels for a few days and then I would like to visit these 2 cities and stay in an airb&b! What dou you recommend?
Good Valeria
Well, in reality it doesn't matter where you stay, everything is very close by train. You can even visit them from Brussels.
Ghent is a little bigger than Bruges. Stay in Ghent if you want a little more atmosphere or in Bruges if you are looking for more tranquility, but they are both beautiful.
All the best