The Gembloux Belfry 

The Gembloux Belfry is in fact the former bell tower of the Saint-Sauveur parish church, whose base could date back to the middle of the 10th century. Originally, the church building was very simple: a single nave dominated by a tower. The tower already fulfilled a dual role, both spiritual and defensive, serving both as a bell tower and a watchtower. In fact, it was under the name of clock tower that it was first mentioned in 1486. Over the centuries, the tower was gradually raised to its current silhouette.

In 1810, Saint-Sauveur church fell into disrepair, was abandoned and sold for demolition. The tower, however, was spared and definitively assumed the status of a belfry. New brick cladding modernized the base in 1889.

But in September 1905, a violent fire ravaged the bell tower. Two years later, in 1907, it was replaced by the bulbous roof we admire today, in place of the old spire.

Recognized for its history and heritage value, the Gembloux belfry was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005.

Find out more here.