Concise history:

Town Hall and Belfry of Roeselare

The history of Roeselare’s Belfry spans several buildings and is literally one of trial and error.
The history of these buildings begins in the early Middle Ages, when Roeselare obtained city rights around 1250.
These rights were accompanied by the establishment of a town hall and a belfry in the middle of the Grote Markt around 1260.

Devastation and reconstruction

In 1488 and 1492, things went badly wrong and Roeselare was attacked by troops of Maximilian of Austria, who set fire to the city and its buildings, including the town hall and belfry.
Around 1500, the city center is rebuilt and the second belfry of Roeselare comes to stand around the same spot but is not long-lived.
After the outbreak of the Eighty Years’ War, the once flourishing cloth industry disappears completely from Roeselare and a period of economic decline ensues.
This and a major fire in the city center in 1582 ensured that at the beginning of the 17th century the belfry of Roeselare had to be rebuilt for the third time.
A map of Antonius Sanderus from 1641 shows this belfry.
With the Peace of Nijmegen in 1669, Roeselare becomes part of France.
The war is over and the city coffers are empty and there is no money for city restoration.
This led to the collapse of the then dilapidated belfry in 1704, destroying the adjacent hall in its fall.
From the remains, a new and smaller hall was built but it burned down in 1749 (its remains were uncovered in 1979 during a redevelopment of the Grand Place).

Reconstruction in Louis XV Style

Under the administration of Maria-Theresia of Austria, construction of a new town hall with a bell tower was begun.
This new complex, built between 1769 and 1771, was designed by the architect Hendrik Bultynck.
It is characterized by the elegant Louis XV style, with Rococo elements such as the ornate pediment bearing the coat of arms of Charles Theodore of Bavaria, then lord of Wijnendale and Roeselare.

Adaptations and modernization

The 19th century brings further modifications to the town hall and hall.
The building undergoes several changes, including the replacement of coats of arms, the addition of new rooms, and renovations to the facades.
The first major intervention occurs in 1863, when a new bluestone staircase is added.
In 1886, the plinth of the building is covered with bluestone and decorative elements are renewed.
After World War I, in 1924-1925, the fourth belfry of Roeselare is built.
This is done as part of a new wing added to the town hall.
This extension, designed by architect R. Doom, represents a mixture of regional and Art Deco styles.
The modern belfry is added as a tribute to the historical function of the original belfry and symbolizes the reconstruction of the city after the heavy war years.

Most recent restoration

From 2022-2024, the aging City Hall will be demolished and replaced with a new building with improved energy efficiency and accessibility.
The historic city hall and belfry will be carefully restored to preserve their cultural and historic value.

Sources:

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

#2 ‘Belfry of Roeselare’ on, accessed September 1, 2024

#3 “Town Hall of Roeselare,” accessed September 1, 2024.

#4 Website onroerenderfgoed.be, accessed September 3, 2024.

#5 “Belfry of Roeselare Town Hall sustainably restored after 100 years” at >roeselare.be, accessed August 15, 2024.

#6 “Expansion and restoration of the cityHUIS” on bresserserfgoed.be, accessed September 1, 2024.

#7 The ancient history of Roeselare from “Het Roeselaarse Volksleven” by Désiré Denys from 1955 on dekroniekenvanwesthoek,be, accessed Sept. 3.

#8 City walk through Roeselare on, accessed September 3, 2024.

#9 “Note accompanying the application for recognition of Stad Roeselare as an immovable heritage municipality” at roeselare.be, accessed September 2, 2024.

Belfort opening hours

Due to a renovation, the Belfry is currently not accessible.