Béthune Belfry, Béthune, France

The 47-metre-tall belfry is standing in the center of Béthune. The Belgian border can be seen from the top. The chime of the belfry is composed of thirty-six bells. A belfry has stood on the site since 1346. The current belfry plays melodies every 15 minutes, including the ch'ti (regional patois) children's lullaby min p'tit quinquin (my little darling). In 2005, the belfry was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France site, because of its architecture and testimony to the rise of municipal power in Europe.

User Reviews

Carla van der Meijden (4 years ago)
Can't wait for this beautiful historic tower to be restored!

Yong Wooi Kee (5 years ago)
Great historic place

Mick Pelling (5 years ago)
First time visit to this city, but only had a small walk around, looked a nice place. Maybe I will return.

Alastair McKenzie (5 years ago)
A narrow medieval circular staircase to climb, but punctuated with rooms on each floor to catch your breath. The last bit involves a tight squeeze on your hands & knees to get out onto the balcony. Interesting carillon mechanism, but you want to time your arrival at the top so not to be deafened!

howard davies (5 years ago)
Old city cobbled Square surrounded by beautiful 4/5 storey buildings

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

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History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

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Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Béthune Belfry

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