The Market square is dominated by the cloth hall and the 83 meter high Belfry tower, one of the symbols of the city. This magnificent tower is a great place to view the whole city and the Markt Square. A wooden tower was built in the 13th Century, burned a few years later and was replaced by this stone one in 1300. For about 500 years the laws and regulations governing the market below were proclaimed from the balcony over the entrance. Just abov...(more)The Market square is dominated by the cloth hall and the 83 meter high Belfry tower, one of the symbols of the city. This magnificent tower is a great place to view the whole city and the Markt Square. A wooden tower was built in the 13th Century, burned a few years later and was replaced by this stone one in 1300. For about 500 years the laws and regulations governing the market below were proclaimed from the balcony over the entrance. Just above the balcony is a statue of the Virgin, one of about 600 scattered throughout the city. The climb is 366 steps and well worth it for the view. There are several "resting points" on the way up. One of these allows you to see some of the inner workings of the carillon which is quite a work in itself - 47 bells.
From Rozenhoedkaai an exceptionally beautiful view is seen of the old houses bordering the canal, with the Belfry rising high above the rooftops in the background.
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