Belfry of Tournai

Lore & Background

Construction of the belfry began around 1188 after King Philip Augustus of France granted Tournai its town charter, which included the right to mount a communal bell. The original tower was square with a crenellated parapet, evoking a feudal keep, and served as a watchtower for spotting fires and enemies. In 1294, the city expanded the belfry by adding a stage and four polygonal towerlets at the corners, each topped with a soldier statue and a dragon icon surmounting the structure.

Reader's Guide

The Belfry of Tournai is significant as one of the oldest belfries in Belgium, embodying the rise of municipal power in medieval Europe. Its construction began with the granting of a town charter, symbolizing communal autonomy. The tower's evolution—from a feudal keep-like watchtower to an expanded structure with decorative elements—reflects the city's growth and civic pride. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list underscores its architectural and historical importance. The belfry's roles as a watchtower, bell tower, and jail illustrate its multifaceted civic function. The preservation of its bells, including Bancloque and Timbre, and the addition of a carillon highlight its enduring role in community life. The dragon icon, shared with other Belgian towers, links it to broader regional traditions of power and vigilance.

Did You Know?

• The Belfry of Tournai is 72 meters (236 feet) tall with a 256-step stairway.
• Construction began around 1188 after King Philip Augustus of France granted Tournai its town charter.
• A fire damaged the belfry in 1391, leading to repairs from 1392 to 1400.
• The belfry served as a jail until 1827.