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One the more spectacular items that strike straight when you get into Tournai is the Belfry Tower. The Belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium and in Northern Europe. It is built on the site of a tower of the first surrounding wall, the Belfry is divided into three distinct parts. Its square tower is strengthened at the corners by four buttresses above which 4 round turrets with pyramidal bell-turrets rise. A gallery with a balustrade separates the tower from the slender and light campanile flanked by 4 small towers decorated with gilded banners and topped by a copper dragon.

It symbolises the right of self-administration and was erected when Philippe Auguste, King of France, gave Tournai its freedom charter in 1188. He granted to Tournai the 'Right of Bell' and especially a large bell called 'Bancloque', used to summon the population in case of danger.

Until 1827, the cold rooms of the Belfry were used as prisons. The present momuments is 72 meter high. 256 spiral stairs lead the visitor to the top and a wonderful view on the surrounding countryside is offered to the courageous. The Belfry has been totally restored and is equipped with a modern multimedia system giving a good idea of its history.

The cathedral is home to an exceptional heritage, including wall-paintings in the transept ( XIIth century), stained-glass windows dating from the Middle Age, which represent the separation of the dioceses of Tournai and Noyon in 1146.

Tournai Travel Blogs

Bike trip to Tournai
posted by:
Mar 10, 2009 – Aug 04, 2009
Tournai (or "Doornik in Dutch) is a town about 30 km south of my home town of Kortrijk. Personally I think it is one of the most underrated towns in Belgium. I must admit that I had never been there untill last year when I decided to take a bike trip along the Kortrijk-Bossuit canal, which connects…
Overview 6,806 words 301 16 41
O Peres au Quai
posted by:
Feb 23, 2006 – Nov 13, 2009
This Sunday my son and I wanted to take another Belgian city into a close look. The choise fell on Tournai a city I had briefly visited before but which I wanted to come back to when I had some more time.   One the more spectacular items that strike straight when you get into Tournai is th…
Overview 58,846 words 2,871 937 1,500
This trip was featured on Monday April 21st, 2008

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