Belfry of Eeklo

About

The Belfort of Eeklo is the belfry at the town hall of the East Flemish city of Eeklo. The site of the current belfry was previously occupied by a church that was demolished in 1878. In 1932 an extension of the town hall was realized, partly in memory of the victims of the First World War.

This new wing included a 35 meter high belfry and is built in red brick and limestone. The entrance is decorated with acorns, the symbol of the city of Eeklo. The architect of this new wing was Amand Janssens.

The Town Hall itself, in Flemish Renaissance style, dates back to the 17th century. Since 1999, the belfry tower has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO together with 55 other belfry towers in Belgium and France. UNESCO placed the belfries on its list because they were 'typical of the medieval power of the Flemish cities'.

However, the bell fort of Eeklo dates back to 1932 but was still held back, not so much because of the building itself but because of having a bell fort and the 'symbolic value' of a bell fort.