The historical bell towers of Wallonia: 20 years of UNESCO recognition

Highlighting Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles, the bell towers of Wallonia overlook the cities where they symbolize the conquest of civic freedoms. Over the centuries, they have become a sign of power and prosperity for the communes where they are nestled. From the top of their towers, erected at the heart of urban spaces, most of the time they dominate the central square.

Bell towers enter the UNESCO

This summer, they have multiplied festive celebrations. Guided visits, concerts of bell chimes, exhibitions of artistic works, publications, conferences, contests of young bell-ringers from the entire Wallonia region, installations of exceptional lighting fixtures at night time, musical family spectacles, balloon releases and candy distributions are on the program.

Built in the 12th century, the bell tower of Tournai is the oldest in the country, and one of the best preserved. © DR

Flagship of the Binche architectural patrimony since the 14th century, the bell tower is integrated to the city hall. © DR

Unusual architectural details

Tournai with its 257 steps staircase, Mons with its 49 bells, Binche with the Crests of Charles Quint and Marie de Hongrie, Thuin with Carolingian small bells, Charleroi with its balconies open on the center of town, Gembloux with a stunning watch tower, Namur topped by an octogonal skylight, all these bell towers from another era will enable you to visit one of the most handsome regions of Belgium.

In Gembloux, the bell tower took over the steeple of the former Saint-Sauveur church starting in the 19th century. © DR