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English: Ghent is a Belgian city, located in the Flemish Region at the confluence of the Lys and the Scheldt. Capital of the ancient county of Flanders, large drapery and commercial city and birthplace of Charles Quint, she knew from the twelfth century, and more from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, a period of both economic and cultural flowering that. From this radiant period, Ghent retains a superb architectural heritage.

The Belfry of Ghent is one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city center, the other two belonging to Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church. In 1402, the town's privileges were kept in a safe secretly stored in the Belfry. It is a Gothic-style tower that originally served as a watchtower. Until 1442, the Church of St. Nicholas served as the first watchtower. After 1442, the guards took their place in the new Belfry. These guards, who together with the bell ringers formed the corps of "city agents", remained in service until 1869. Their mission was mainly to watch out for fires, the main danger at the time. This belfry is 91 meters high and contains 53 bells. Its height makes it the tallest belfry in Belgium. Its construction began in the 14th century, but it did not take on its current appearance until 1911. The work indeed experienced several interruptions. The first came in 1338. Four levels were already in place, and the turrets which today stand just below its spire had barely begun. A temporary wooden structure was then put in place. On this one installed a dragon of Ghent, which remains a symbol of the city.

It was not until 1771 that the wooden spire was replaced by another in cast iron, this time intended to remain on the building. But in 1911, it was preferred to remove it again to put in place a spire surrounded by four turrets, in order to respect the original plans made in the 13th century by the architect Van Halst.