Belfry, Bruges

Above the Halle soars Bruges's most distinctive landmark, the Belfry, 83m/272ft high and with a slight lean towards the southeast. It is one of the finest bell towers in Belgium and there can surely be few more impressive symbols of civic pride. Work started on the tower in 1282, the crowning octagonal upper section being completed two centuries later (in 1482). A carillon of 47 bells hangs in the tower.The tower is entered from the inner courtyard of the Halle and the top (366 steps) affords a superb panorama of the town and surrounding countryside. On the way up the old Treasure Room where civic documents are kept behind wrought-iron grills can be visited on the second floor.Concerts are played periodically throughout the week.The tower is a UNESCO site.