Concise history:

The belfry of Menen, located on the Grote Markt in the city of Menen, located in the province of West Flanders, has a rich and complex history spanning several centuries.

The start of construction and interruptions due to conflicts

The first phase of construction of the belfry begins on March 5, 1574.
Bartholomeus Dhaese, a master builder from Ghent, is given the task of leading the project.
Construction initially progressed well but in 1575, only a year after the first stone was laid, work was halted because of the religious wars that had broken out in all their ferocity.
These conflicts ravaged the region and forced the city to halt construction.
As a result, the belfry remained unfinished for a long time.

Resumption of construction and first completion of the belfry

It was not until 1602, more than two decades after the interruption, that construction activities resumed.
This is done under the direction of master masons Jan Persyn from Kortrijk and Jan Deleu from Menen himself.
The original design of Bartholomeus Dhaese is largely followed, with only a few minor modifications.
In 1610, the belfry is finally completed, 36 years after the foundation stone was laid.
A new brick superstructure was erected on top of the existing stone substructure, crowned with an elegant wooden spire, equipped with a domed roof and a lantern.
In 1611, a clockwork is added to the tower, and in 1616 follows the installation of the first carillon, consisting of 18 bells.
This marks the beginning of a long tradition of carillon music in Menin.

War damage and subsequent repairs

The early 18th century was a period of great turbulence for Menin.
In 1706, during the siege of Menin, the spire of the belfry was destroyed.
Five years later, in 1711, the tower underwent a thorough repair.
Hereby a third octagonal floor is added, again crowned with a domed roof with a lantern, and a new clock is installed in 1713.
In 1716, the first carillon is replaced by a new one with 34 bells.

In 1794 there is again damage to the tower; this time the lantern is severely damaged by shelling by French republican troops.
The carillon is also permanently damaged.
The belfry itself survives this period but with considerable damage and retains its prominent place in the city.

Reconstruction and further expansion of the belfry

After the ravages of the previous century, it receives a bass bell in 1802 and the belfry undergoes a large-scale restoration in 1828 under the direction of the provincial architect Van Caneghem.
During this restoration, a fourth octagonal floor is added, which is closed with a platform and an openwork balustrade.
Initially, the balustrades consisted of stone pillars, but these were replaced in 1890 by ones made of cast iron, which gave the belfry a more modern appearance.

Restorations, modernizations and new additions

In the 1930s, city architect Gaston Boghemans developed plans to reconstruct the original needle on the belfry.
His plans unfortunately do not come to fruition.
Between 1961 and 1966, the belfry undergoes extensive restoration.
During this period, a new carillon is also installed, replacing the old one, damaged in 1794.
The new carillon, consisting of 49 bells, represents an important expansion of the belfry’s musical possibilities.
In 2001, a modern carillon keyboard is installed, allowing the carillonneur to accurately play the bells.

Global recognition and preservation of the belfry

In 1999, the belfry of Menen receives the prestigious status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, underlining the historical and cultural value of this monument.
This recognition may be seen as a crowning achievement for centuries of efforts to preserve and restore the belfry.
In 2004, an orientation table is installed on top of the belfry, offering visitors a panoramic view of the surroundings of Menin and the surrounding landscapes.
The final restoration will be in 2021.
This includes not only structural improvements, but also aesthetic innovations that ensure the belfry retains its stately appearance.

Today, the belfry of Menen is much more than just a historic building.
The carillon, which regularly hosts concerts, plays a central role in the cultural life of Menen.

Sources:

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

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

• #4 Website: onroerenderfgoed.be, accessed August 6, 2024.

• #5 Blog:“Les Beffrois, Les Perrons & Les Rolands,” accessed August 6, 2024.

• #6 Website:“Wikipedia Belfry of Menin,” accessed August 6, 2024.

Belfort opening hours

Access to the belfry is free daily between 9 am and 5 pm.
Create an access code online at https://belfortbezoeken.menen.be or ask for one at City Hall.