Belfry of Aalst

The bell tower was only built in 1460, featuring a carillon. The front displays two statues representing the Counts of Flanders and Aalst. Between them hangs a sundial from 1600. On July 7, 1879, a part of the building burned down again during a fireworks display. The facade, the pediment, the small tower, and the bell tower were restored, and the carillon bells were recast and expanded from 38 to 52. The still-functioning carillon reminds every quarter hour of the centuries-old presence of the bell tower on the Grote Markt. The neo-Gothic numerals of the clock on the tower were replaced in the 1960s with a dial featuring half globes. The people of Aalst started calling the bell tower "the tit towers," referencing the resemblance between the clock and breasts. In the niches, under the motto (1555) Nec spe, nec metu (neither by hope, nor by fear), are the statues of a warrior and a townsman, symbols of the power and freedom of ancient Aalst. The bell tower, as part of the belfries in Belgium and France, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the building, cellars were created that were used as torture chambers. Here, the "Gang of Jan de Lichte" was tried. This unique complex has been given a contemporary cultural purpose, serving as a meeting space or exhibition area. The municipal council meetings have resumed there since the 1980s.

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