The Belfry of Tournai, known locally as the Belfort van Doornik, stands proudly in the heart of Tournai, Belgium. This magnificent structure, towering at 72 meters, is the oldest belfry in Belgium and a beacon of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Its origins date back to the 12th century, making it a significant historical monument that has witnessed centuries of Tournai's evolution.
The Belfry of Tournai has a storied past that begins in 1188 when King Philip Augustus of France granted Tournai the right to build a belfry. This was a strategic move in his conflict with the Count of Flanders, Philip of Alsace. The original structure was a 30-meter tall square tower, possibly built on the remnants of an ancient Roman wall. By 1294, the tower had been significantly elevated to 70 meters, adorned with lateral turrets and a spire topped with a golden dragon, coinciding with the expansion of the city's walls and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Over the centuries, the belfry underwent numerous modifications. After a devastating fire in 1392, it was restored and embellished with new bells and decorations, including sirens, tritons, and banners. The tower's horizontal plan forms an irregular parallelogram with chamfered buttresses, constructed from blue stone. The structure is divided into three main sections, each serving distinct purposes, from the ground floor to the spire and turrets.
Visitors to the Belfry of Tournai are in for a treat as they ascend its 257 steps, leading to five floors that once served various functions, including a prison. The journey through the belfry is a walk through history, with each level offering unique insights into its past roles. The bancloque, or ban bell, was historically used to alert the citizens of Tournai to trials, executions, dangers such as city attacks or fires, and the opening and closing of city gates, as well as to announce public festivities.
In 1535, the city installed a carillon in the belfry, adding new sculpted decorations, including a dragon, sirens, tritons, and banners, while also serving as the communal prison. The belfry's significance was further highlighted in 1782 when the golden dragon was replaced by a globe topped with the Austrian eagle, commemorating Emperor Joseph II's visit to Tournai in 1781.
Throughout its history, the belfry has stood resilient during turbulent times. It underwent a neo-Gothic restoration in 1844, led by Bruno Renard and Justin Bruyenne, adapting the building to the dominant style of the era. During World War I, it again served as a watchtower. In 1948, the four sculptures of hurlus atop the corner turrets were replaced with statues of communers (urban bourgeois), sculpted by Stella Laurent.
Today, the Belfry of Tournai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 1999 as part of the collective listing of Belfries of Belgium and France. It has been restored and reopened to the public in 2002, following a significant restoration period starting in 1992. The belfry now hosts multimedia shows and exhibitions, offering visitors a comprehensive view of its history through a small exhibition and an audiovisual presentation.
The carillon, which is not the original, plays every Sunday during the summer at around 3:30 PM, adding a melodious charm to the historic ambiance. The belfry's bells, including the Bancloque and the Tocsin, have historical significance. The Bancloque, cast by Robins de Croisilles after the great fire of 1393, was a signal for important announcements. The Tocsin, also known as the Timbre, served as a fire alarm. The Vigneron bell, which cracked in 1416 and was recast, oversaw the opening and closing of city gates and bars, with the Bancloque and Vigneron ringing together during city attacks to rally the citizens.
In the mid-16th century, the belfry received a donation of eleven bells from the city's magistrates, which were increased to 43 by 1747. Today, the carillon consists of 55 bells, weighing a total of 13,100 kg, housed in a room protected by harmony tables. The carillon's melodious chimes continue to be a cherished feature of the belfry, resonating through the streets of Tournai and adding to the city's historical charm.
The Belfry of Tournai is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of the city's enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage. Its towering presence and the stories it holds make it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Tournai, offering a glimpse into the past and a celebration of the city's vibrant history.
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