On the 4-5 of July 2015 the Belfry
finally open its door for public and free of charge.
Prince Charming was excited since
his colleague told him it took one generation to complete it and how lucky we
are to have the chance to visit this proud symbol of Mons.
It was almost 11 am when we got
there and there were about 50 people queueing. Some were giving up because of the slow movement. Only 2-5 people were allowed to get in
while we’re waiting other groups finished their visit. We were explained a
brief history why it took so long to finish this project and what to expect once we’re inside.
After about an hour later, finally
we got in.
The inside not surprisingly small, dominated by a glass lift on the center and a reception desk
with selection of souvenirs. That’s why only few people in a time to maximize
the comfort and security. We quickly greeted and the tour of the Belfry began
as we took the elevator (which can only accommodate 4 person) to the height of
35,85 m.. the panoramic level/ ‘windows in time’ (on the bottom of
the clock with window if seen from outside). This is the place to discover the
most beautiful panoramic view of Mons! We can see clearly the train station
work on progress, Les
Grands Prés shopping and entertainment complex (opening soon: IKEA!) and nearby
artificial lake of Grand Large. In good weather, I was told we could even see
Brussels and the French border.
Then take the stairs (few steps, no sweat) to see the
clock mechanism and glass cloistered carillon/ bells.
To descend, we have to use the
stairs and follow direction of the tour with points of interests, explaining
the many aspects and history of the building. Our experience were enhanced by
multimedia and new technologies. Each side, in front of the window equipped
with one interactive touch screen with real time camera we can zoom to see certain
places in the distance marked with dots which gives explanation text if
clicked. Meanwhile, I felt a bit challenged by the sophisticated design of the
structure. Those steel stairs. So watch your steps, especially on the last part
of the tour where we had to go down the old narrow spiral stairscase.
This is a very fun and short
experience.
Just after an hour visit, the
carillon concert was started to accompany our picnic lunch at the park, just
few meters off the entrance of the tower.
The
construction of the Belfry came after the collapse of the clock tower in 1661. It
is the only baroque-style Belfry in Belgium. In 1845 it
was restored for the first time. A little more than a century later in 1976, a
corbel supporting the first balcony fell into the park. The first phase of
restoration project was launched in August 1984. Next the restoration of the
structure completed in 1999, the year it was listed on the
UNESCO World Heritage. In 2014, the sixth and final phase started, mainly
focusing on the interior design.
With
365 steps, a height of 87 metres and 49 bells, the Belfry has experienced and
left its mark on history; its reopening enabled us not only to travel
through time to the origins of its original construction and to understand its
role in the different periods it has traversed, but also to make a vertical
journey and discover the region from up high.
Tuesday - Sunday and
holidays (except December 25 and January 1), 10 am - 6pm
9 EUR (adult)/ free on the
first Sunday every month