Belfry of Tournai

Welcome to the Belfry of Tournai, the oldest municipal bell tower in Belgium and an enduring monument to civic liberty and urban independence. You are currently standing on the eastern edge of the historic central Grand Place,…

Welcome to Spot 1, the lower masonry base and main historic entrance of the Belfry of Tournai. As we begin our detailed investigation of this architectural monument, consider one extraordinary historical fact: this solid stone…

Welcome to Spot 2, where we focus on the middle stage and the striking corner towerlets of the Belfry of Tournai. As you stand in this elevated section of the structure, reflect upon a truly remarkable engineering achievement: in…

Welcome to Spot 3, the former jail chambers situated within the middle stages of the Belfry of Tournai. As you stand within these stern stone rooms, reflect upon a striking historical paradox: although this magnificent tower was…

Welcome to Spot 4, the historic bell framing chamber and the home of the great civic bells inside the Belfry of Tournai. As you enter this impressive wooden timber structure, consider a remarkable historical fact: the massive…

Welcome to Spot 5, the carillon chamber and spire lookout at the absolute summit of the Belfry of Tournai. As you step out into this spectacular high elevation space, consider an extraordinary musicological fact: today's carillon…

We have reached the conclusion of our audio tour through the Belfry of Tournai, the oldest municipal bell tower in Belgium and an enduring beacon of European civic heritage. Since its original foundation in the late twelfth…