Hall tower

The Hallentoren is a belfry tower in the Belgian city of Tielt. The structure stands in the market and was a symbol of the city's independence. The belfry tower is located on the former cloth hall and is therefore called Hallentoren.

The Tielt hallentoren was built in 1275 on the Markt. The structure was destroyed several times and rebuilt each time. The current building dates from 1558-1560. Tanneke Sconyncx, accused of witchcraft, succumbed in the hallentoren after months of torture.

The building was constructed in Renaissance style. The heraldic ornaments above the galleries are late 19th-century additions. They represent the coats of arms of important lordships and Tielt families from the feudal period.

Since 1773, the hallentoren has housed a carillon made by the famous Bruges bell founders Duméry. The carillon consists of 36 bells.

In 2000, the hallentoren was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France. On this occasion, a commemorative plaque was placed.

In 2006, it was decided to renovate the belfry. Since January 2008, there have been major works ongoing for a few years, and the hallentoren was temporarily inaccessible.

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