Belfry of Ghent
The Belfry of Ghent is a 91-metre medieval tower that, together with the Cloth Hall, belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage. The tower, built between 1313 and 1380, symbolises Ghent's civic liberties and offers a spectacular view over the historic city centre. The belfry houses the famous Triomfante bell and the dragon that has crowned the city's silhouette for centuries.
Accessibility of the Belfry is remarkably good for a historic monument. A modern lift takes visitors from the ground floor up to just below the viewing platform at the top. The main entrance is level and the ticket office has a lowered counter. Note: the last few metres to the bell chamber and the highest point involve narrow stairs, so the absolute summit remains inaccessible for wheelchair users. The substructure and the Cloth Hall Square are fully accessible.
An adapted toilet is available nearby on the Sint-Baafsplein. Parking for people with reduced mobility is possible in the underground Kouter or Vrijdagmarkt car parks, both a short distance away. The area around the Belfry is largely traffic-free with smoothed cobblestones; some older cobble strips may have unevenness. A visit combines perfectly with nearby Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the Gravensteen.
Good to know
- Reservation
- Booking is not compulsory but reserving online avoids waiting times, especially in high season. The lift has limited capacity, so picking a time slot is sensible.
- Busy and quiet times
- Busy during the Ghent Festival in July, on summer weekends and during school holidays. Quieter on weekdays before 11 am and in January-February.
- Things to note
- The lift takes you to just below the dragon level, but the very last metres up to the bell chamber are only reachable via narrow stairs. The cobbles between Sint-Baafsplein and Korenmarkt can be uneven.
- Visit tip
- Combine with Saint Bavo's Cathedral for the Ghent Altarpiece a few metres away; park in the underground Kouter car park, which has a direct lift to street level and a level approach via the Sint-Baafsplein.
Visited this place in a wheelchair? Share your experience
Similar locations
Medieval belfry on the Grote Markt of Aalst, UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the aldermen's house. Wheelchair...
Historic belfry on the Grote Markt of Dendermonde, UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the city hall complex....
Historic abbey site in Ename near Oudenaarde with an archaeological park and partial accessibility. Partially...