Dominating the Bruges skyline, the Belfry of Bruges, the most important building in the city, stands at an impressive 83m tall. The Belfry was essentially the heartbeat of Bruges. It was the meeting place for judges and magistrates and housed the city’s archives and treasures. Most importantly, its 47 bells were the driving force behind everyday life in the city. Each bell had a distinct sound, and every bell had a different purpose. The bells fulfilled many functions, including telling the time, signalling the start of working hours, and ushering in festivities. Without these bells, the Medieval Bruges would have come to a complete standstill.

The reception area of the belfry provides an explanation of how it used to operate, but its main draw is the climb to the top. The 366 stairs leading up to the top of the belfry may seem intimidating, but the vantage point at the top, showing a spectacular 360-degree view of Bruges, is well worth the exertion.