Belfry of Bruges

Belfry of Bruges The Belfry of Bruges (Dutch: Belfort van Brugge) is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger.

A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 m (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimeters to the east. To the sides and back of the tower stands the former market hall, a rectangular building only 44 m broad but 84 m deep, with an inner courtyard.

The belfry, accordingly, is also known as the Halletoren (tower of the halls). The belfry is a key component of the UNESCO world heritage site of the historic centre of Bruges.The building is a central feature of the 2008 film In Bruges and is also mentioned in the novel Cloud Atlas.