ARCHITECT, Flemish
(active 1480s in Bruges)

Belfry

completed 1486
Photo
Cloth Hall, Bruges

The belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the historical centre of Bruges. It is one of the city's most prominent symbols. It was added to the market square around 1240, when Bruges was prospering as an important centre of the Flemish cloth industry. After a devastating fire in 1280, the tower was largely rebuilt. The octagonal upper stage of the belfry was added between 1483 and 1486.

The immensely tall (83m) belfry dwarfs the surrounding buildings.