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The Market square is
dominated by the cloth hall and the 83 meter high Belfry
tower, one of the symbols of the city. The original
cloth hall and tower date from 1240. The first tower,
however, was destroyed by fire in 1280. At the time of
the fire the four wings of the cloth hall already
existed, as well as the two square segments of the
belfry. The present octagonal lantern was added to the
tower between 1482 en 1486. The wooden spire that
crowned the tower was again destroyed by fire in 1493 en
1741.
After the last fire it was never rebuilt. Like in most
cities of the Low Countries the belfry tower was the
place where the important documents of the city were
preserved. At the same time such towers were used as
watchtowers. Inside hung bells, each bell having a
distinct sound and function (e.g.: bells for danger,
bells for important announcements, bells to indicate the
time, etc.).
The entire complex still bears witness to the importance
of Bruges as a medieval trade center. In the cloth hall,
the Flemish cloth which was manufactured in different
other cities was sold to the rest of the world. In 1399,
for instance, there were 384 sales stands inside the
hall.
Nowadays, the belfry tower charms the visitor with the
lovely music of a carillion, which consists of 47 bells.
Other more recent decorations are the sculpture of the
Madonna in renaissance style and the weapon with a
Belgian lion.
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Location (Address) |
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Telephone |
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Emile Braunplein,
Ghent 9000, Belgium |
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Tel: 09 233 07 72 |
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