Ghent Belfry, Belgium - Medieval Towers

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On the west side of Saint-Baafsplein stands the 91m/298ft-high belfry, emblem of the city's independence, where the charters of the privileges of Ghent were kept. The tower was begun about 1300 and by 1338 was chiefly finished. The present-day spire was refurbished to its original 14th C. form at the commencement of this century and replaced the stilted bell tower of 1380. It is circlet by a golden copper dragon, which was first mounted in 1377. Today it is a facsimile as are the four armed statues at the corners of the podium. Only one of the originals of these still endure and can be seen on the ground floor. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.