The Belfry and Cloth Hall are two historic buildings in the city of Ghent, Belgium. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and symbolize the city’s prosperity and independence.
The Belfry is a 91-meter-tall tower that was built between 1313 and 1380. It was the place where the city’s privileges were kept and where the alarm bell, known as Roland, was hung. A dragon on top of the tower served as the guardian of the city and its treasure. The Belfry also houses a carillon with 54 bells that plays music every Sunday morning and Saturday night.
The Cloth Hall was built against the Belfry in 1425. It was the center of the wool and cloth trade, where the products were inspected, appraised and sold. The Cloth Hall has a flamboyant Brabant Gothic style and an old jailer’s house on the corner. The jailer’s house is called the Mammelokker, after a relief sculpture above the door that depicts a Greek legend of a daughter who breastfed her father who was sentenced to death by starvation.
The ticket price for visiting the Belfry and Cloth Hall is 8 euros for adults, 6 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 19 years old. You can also buy a combined ticket with other historical buildings in Ghent for 18 euros.
The Belfry and Cloth Hall are open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as on some public holidays.
To get to the Belfry and Cloth Hall, you can take public transport or walk from the city center. The nearest tram stop is Botermarkt, which is served by lines 1 and 4. The nearest bus stop is Korenmarkt, which is served by lines 3, 17, 18, 38 and 39. You can also park your car at Vrijdagmarkt or Sint-Michiels parking lots, which are about 10 minutes away by foot.
There are many things to see and do at the Belfry and Cloth Hall. You can climb the stairs or take the lift to the top of the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of Ghent. You can also see the dragon, Roland and other historical objects in the exhibition rooms. You can listen to the carillon music and learn more about its history and functioning. You can also visit the Cloth Hall and see the Mammelokker sculpture.
Some tips for visiting the Belfry and Cloth Hall are:
- Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket if you plan to climb the tower.
- Check the website for special events and guided tours.
- Respect the silence and do not touch anything inside the buildings.
Some prohibitions for visiting the Belfry and Cloth Hall are:
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol inside or outside the buildings.
- Do not bring pets, bicycles or large bags inside.
- Do not take photos with flash or use tripods inside.
- Do not litter or damage anything inside or outside the buildings.
