Concise history:

The Belfry or Hall Tower of Kortrijk

The belfry of Kortrijk, located in the middle of the Market Square, is an impressive tower with a rich history that is closely intertwined with the city and its inhabitants.
The history of the belfry is a story of construction, destruction, reconstruction and restoration, spanning many centuries.

Its origins and early history

The exact founding of the first halle in Kortrijk is unclear, but the earliest mention dates from 1248.
In that year, a deed of the Order of the Knights Templar mentions a “Halla” on the Grote Markt of Kortrijk.
This halle was then an important center for trade and activities in the city and consisted of two parts: the belfry, also called the Halletoren, and the cloth hall itself, where especially the wool trade flourished.

In 1377, the hall was expanded, but only a few years later, in 1382, during the Battle of Westrozebeke, the building was partially destroyed by fire.
The damage is considerable, and the extraordinary hour bearing “Manten,” the clock and clockwork are taken as war booty by Philip the Bold, who donates it to the city of Dijon.
The entire mechanism, including the hour bearing Manten, is placed there on the tower of Our Lady’s Church, where it still strikes the hours.

Reconstruction and expansion

Between 1390 and 1395, the reconstruction of the hall takes place, including the installation of a new clock and bell, cast by Jan de Leenknecht.
Sculptor and painter Rogier van der Poerten creates a new hourglass.
At the end of the 15th century, two figures are added to strike the hour, “Mante and Mantine,” replaced in 1961 by “Mante and Kalle.”

In 1424, the foundations of the tower were reinforced to ensure the stability of the building.
Three years later, in 1427, Maes van Mouden was commissioned to build 12 cottages in the hall, where craftsmen could sell their wares.
This number grew to about 20 cottages in 1524, some of which even had a floor.

Changes in the 16th and 17th centuries

At the beginning of the 16th century, the belfry tower threatened to collapse.
In 1519-1520, master masons from Lille and Ghent were summoned by the aldermen to examine the condition of the tower together with masons and carpenters from Kortrijk.
However, the spire is too dilapidated and is demolished that same year.
The tower is rebuilt with a smaller spire and four corner turrets, with the original lion and bell placed elsewhere.

The old cloth hall lost its function when the Great Halls were built on the Schouwburgplein.
In 1522, the halle was converted into a 22 houses around the belfry, with a common courtyard.

The belfry in the 18th century

In 1712, Mayor Schinkel had a bronze Mercury statue (the god of commerce) placed on the spire, designed by silversmith Gaspard Descamps.

Then, between 1717 and 1719, the dilapidated houses around the tower are demolished and rebuilt in the Louis XIV style.
The facade receives a plaque with the inscription, “ANTTIQUISSIMA OPPIDI-CORTRACENI SUPERSTETI” (As the oldest of the city of Courtrai, I have remained standing).
Soon after, the “High Guard” is built, equipped with a monumental staircase, a round-span main entrance and a triangular pediment.

Modern times and restorations

At the end of the 19th century, in 1899, the block of buildings surrounding the belfry was expropriated and demolished for the construction of a post building.
The tower itself was restored between 1902 and 1903 under the direction of architect Jozef Viérin.

During World War I in 1914, the tower suffered damage from bombing but was subsequently repaired.
In 1923, a monument was unveiled in memory of the fallen soldiers, designed by city architect Joseph Demeere and sculptor Godfried Devreese.
The monument is located on the southeast side of the tower.

Protected monument

The tower was officially protected as a monument on April 19, 1937.
In the following years, the tower underwent several restorations, including the restoration of the spire in 1989 under the direction of architect Stefaan Dejaegere, and the restoration of the exterior facades in 1996.

Symbolizing the rich history and cultural significance of the city, Kortrijk’s belfry remains to this day an important heritage monument that dominates the cityscape.
Since December 4, 1999, the Kortrijk belfry has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belfries in Belgium and France.

Sources:

• #1 2003, Along Flemish Belfries and Townhouses, Michiel Heirman, Davidsfonds Publishers, Leuven.

• ‘#2 Singing Towers’ Andreas Dill & Luc Rombouts, Davidsfonds Leuven, 2017.

• #3 Article‘Manten and Kalle‘ on dekroniekenvandewesthoek.be, accessed September 4, 2024

• #4 Article “History of the carillon of the Hall Tower at Kortrijk” on the old website (via Time Machine) of the Flemish Carillon Society, accessed September 3, 2024

• #5 Page“Grand Place with Belfry and Town Hall” on visitkortrijk.be, accessed August 30, 2024.

• #6 Page“Belfry of Kortrijk” Website belgiumview.com, accessed August 6, 2023.

• #7 Page“Belfry” (Kortrijk) on website inventory.onroerenderfgoed.be, accessed August 30, 2024.

• #8 Website Wikipedia“Belfry of Kortrijk,” accessed August 31, 2024.

Belfort opening hours

The Belfry of Kortrijk can be visited only with a guide, all days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact visit@kortrijk.be for more information.
Exceptionally closed on December 25, 26, 31 and January 1.