Belfry of Bruges

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 leads to the top of the 83-meter-high building, which leans about a meter to the east.

The bells in the tower regulated the lives of the city dwellers; announcing the time, fire alarms, work hours, and a variety of social, political, and religious events. Eventually a mechanism was installed that ensured the regular sounding of certain bells, for example indicating the hour.