Cities
Belgium Ghent Flemish Region Historical Landmark

Belfry of Ghent

About

The Belfry of Ghent rises proudly above the historic centre as a symbol of the city’s medieval independence and civic pride. Construction began in the fourteenth century, and the tower soon became the guardian of Ghent’s municipal charters, which were stored in its fortified treasury. Its height and commanding position made it an ideal watchtower, where sentinels kept an eye out for danger and rang the bells to warn or celebrate. The iconic dragon weather vane, perched at the top, has long served as the tower’s emblem and a beloved figure in local folklore. Inside, visitors can explore the carillon, whose rich sound still marks the rhythm of the city. The Belfry forms the central point of Ghent’s famous three‑towers skyline, standing between Saint Nicholas’ Church and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Today it remains a UNESCO‑listed monument, offering panoramic views and a vivid connection to Ghent’s civic history.

Ghent Belgium
Belfry of Ghent
Location

The Belfry of Ghent (Belfort van Gent) is located at Sint-Baafsplein in the heart of Ghent’s historic city center, flanked by St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church to form the iconic trio of medieval towers dominating the skyline. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands adjacent to the Cloth Hall (Lakenhal) and overlooks vibrant squares like Sint-Veerleplein. Nearby, visitors find pedestrian streets leading to Korenmarkt and Graslei waterfronts along the Leie River, Gravensteen Castle just across the water, and cultural hubs including the Design Museum Gent, all within easy walking distance amid shops, cafes, and the Patershol neighborhood. ​

Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum Museum Museum of Industry Ghent Museum of Industry Ghent Museum Huis van Alijn Huis van Alijn Museum GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin Museum Design Museum Gent Design Museum Gent Museum Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Herbert Foundation Herbert Foundation Museum Flanders Expo Flanders Expo Events Venue Kunsthal Gent Kunsthal Gent Gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Gallery TATJANA PIETERS TATJANA PIETERS Gallery Capitole Ghent Capitole Ghent Theatre NTGent NTGent Theatre Opera Ghent Opera Ghent Opera House Theater Tinnenpot Theater Tinnenpot Theatre CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum Theatre VIERNULVIER VIERNULVIER Events Venue Gravensteen Gravensteen Castle Geeraard de Duivelsteen Geeraard de Duivelsteen Fortress Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Cathedral Saint Nicholas’ Church Saint Nicholas’ Church Church St James’ Church St James’ Church Church Saint Michael’s Church Saint Michael’s Church Church St Anne’s Church St Anne’s Church Church Church of St. Stefanus Church of St. Stefanus Church Church of St Anthony of Padua Church of St Anthony of Padua Church Korenlei Korenlei Street Jacob van Artevelde Jacob van Artevelde Statue Stadshal Stadshal Historical Landmark Graffiti Street Graffiti Street Historical Landmark Saint Michael's Bridge Saint Michael's Bridge Bridge Citadelpark Citadelpark Park Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Koning Albertpark Koning Albertpark Park Playground Blaarmeersen Playground Blaarmeersen Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Park Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Wondelgemse meersen Wondelgemse meersen Park UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien Observatory