Belfry of Aalst
The Belfry of Aalst is one of the oldest urban bell towers in the Low Countries: the oldest parts date from 1225. The belfry is part of the Aldermen's House on the Grote Markt and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999. The tower rises above the carnival heart of Aalst and is a symbol of the medieval city's civic liberty.
Accessibility around the belfry is good: the Grote Markt is a low-traffic, level zone with smoothed paving. The Aldermen's House has an accessible entrance at the side for visitors with a wheelchair, and inside on the ground floor you can access exhibitions and city information. The climb up the belfry itself is via a historic spiral staircase and is not possible for wheelchair users.
Adapted toilets are available in the city hall and in nearby public amenities on the Market. Disabled parking spaces are set up at the Hopmarkt car park and the Sint-Martensplein, both within a few minutes' drive or rolling distance of the Grote Markt. Combining the visit with the city library, the Belfortstraat shopping street, and Aalst City Park is entirely feasible.
Good to know
- Reservation
- The Grote Markt and the ground floor of the Aldermen's House are freely accessible. For interior visits to the exhibitions, check the opening times of the city of Aalst.
- Busy and quiet times
- Very busy during carnival (Sunday before Ash Wednesday) and the weekly market on Thursday mornings. Outside those moments, the square is quiet.
- Things to note
- The tower can only be climbed via a historic spiral staircase and is not wheelchair accessible.
- Visit tip
- Limit your visit to the inner courtyard and the ground floor; combine with the Hopmarkt and the City Park for a relaxed wheelchair walk.
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