Belfry of Ghent
Belfry of Ghent features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Ghent. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Ghent Ghent guide
About Belfry of Ghent
A UNESCO World Heritage medieval bell tower with a golden dragon weather vane, symbol of civic freedom and the heart of Ghent's mercantile identity.
The Belfry of Ghent, standing 91 metres tall, is one of three great belfries in Belgium jointly inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with those in Bruges and Ypres. Unlike church towers that served religious functions, the belfry was a symbol of civic independence, it stored the city's charters and privileges, and its bells summoned citizens to assembly, warned of fire and invasion, and regulated the working day.
The tower was built between 1313 and 1380, with later additions. Perched at its summit is the famous gilded copper dragon weather vane, almost 2.5 metres long and weighing 70 kilograms, it has stood watch over Ghent since 1377. A copy now crowns the tower while the original is displayed inside the adjacent Cloth Hall. The belfry houses 54 bells in its carillon, and the views from the top platform stretch across the entire historic city. The Cloth Hall beside it, begun in 1425, was never completed and now serves as the city's visitor centre.
Did you know? The golden dragon weather vane at the top has kept watch over Ghent since 1377; the original is now safely stored inside the Cloth Hall.
How long is a visit to Belfry of Ghent?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Belfry of Ghent. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Belfry of Ghent worth your time?
Belfry of Ghent is among the 22 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Ghent, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Ghent
Hear the story of Belfry of Ghent
Preview the Ghent tour free in the Gingerguide app.