The Belfry of Bruges is called the local Tower of Pisa, since the tower in Bruges also deviates from its axis, but only for 1 meter. Of course, it does! It reaches a venerable age of almost 8 centuries: it was overbuilt many times, and it was also rebuilt many more times. The belfry can be easily found. It is barely possible that there is a tourist who came to Bruges but did not take a photo of the famous bell tower. It is located at the central square and is seen practically from any spot of the low-rise city thanks to its height of 83 meters.

The history of the tower started in the remote year of 1240. Initially, the wooden construction functioned as an outpost at the entrance to the city. Guards attentively watched whether an enemy is about to attack the free city of Bruges. Then, half a century later, the tower was rebuilt from scratch for the first time after a fire. That time it was made of stone. For many centuries the belfry was, so to say, a multi-functional center. Heralds read out all the most important decisions for citizens from this place. Criminals were put in cells there. And the most important city documents were also kept in its archive. The tower burned several times (also when its spire was hit by lightning), but it was always rebuilt. Besides, new levels were added. It got its current appearance only in 1822. The first bell ringing was heard in the 16th century after the first bells had been settled. In 1675, a carillon (a special hand-held keypad which helps to control bells) was installed. Nowadays, the carillon of the belfry consists of 47 bells. The main of them is called a bell of Victory. Every 20 minutes, enchanting sounds are heard not only on the Market Square but even far beyond its borders. You can both hear it and see how the giant bell mechanism works. There is a narrow spiral staircase of 366 steps that leads to the top. The very top part does not have railings, only rope slings. The observation deck is small and not panoramic (a part of the space is taken by a bell mechanism). Besides, you will not be able to take a selfie. To prevent such situations as in the film «In Bruges» (when the main characters fell from above), the deck is surrounded by a fine-mesh grid. Anyway, the view is splendid. It is better to come there before the opening since no more than 50 people at a time can come in. For the pleasure of a long lifting, which takes 10-15 minutes (however, you can always take a rest on the side decks peering into the old engravings and drawings of the tower), you will have to pay 10-12 EUR.