Belfry |
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Standing on the corner of Grand Place 72-meters high-rise tower is the oldest of its kind in Belgium. It was established in 1188, when the King of France, Philip Augustus, granted Tournai city rights. One of the privileges granted by the king was the use of bells by the inhabitants. Until now, only the clergy had this right. In year 1217 the first two bells were hung on the tower. In 1294, the tower reaches its maximum height. Year 1392 brings a fire that destroys the belfry.
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Fortunately, in 1397 the city can celebrate the reconstruction of the tower. The 1940 bombings that devastated Tournai so badly spared the bell tower. In 1999 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors who wish to reach its top must climb 257 stairs. On this ascent, you pass rooms, several of which were former prisoners' rooms. This was due to the fact that until 1827 there was a prison in the tower. In 1535 the tower was enriched with a carillon. It was renovated in 2003. At present, there are two bells on the tower; Bancloque weighing 5 tons and The Timbre weighing 2060 kilograms, as well as carillon consisting of 55 bells.
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Opening hours:
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Ticket price:
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1 april- 31 October october
tuesday-sunday 10.00- 12.30 and 13.30 -17.30 |
1 november- 31 march
tuesday-sunday 10.00- 12.00 and 14.00 -17.00 |
2,1 Euro
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