Belfry (Bell Tower) and Market.

The Belfry served in medieval cities as a watch tower (with bells to give the alarm), as a safe place to keep official documents and money, and as a place to hold the council of the city officials. Later most of these functions went to the City Hall. The Belfry was a symbol of a city’s power and autonomy, and it is typical for medieval cities in Flanders and the northern part of France. The one of Bruges is the largest one in Belgium and it dominates Bruges' market since the 13^th century when it was built.

The base of the Belfry blends with the covered market halls, constructed at the same time as the Belfry, and used to store goods. You can visit the complex and climb the tower (366 steps), which houses a fine carillon with 47 bells, and offers a superb view.

In the foreground is the statue of two local heroes, who played a key role in the struggle of Bruges for independence from France, in the beginning of the 14^th century. Much later these heroes became, and still are, the symbol of the struggle of the Flemish people against social and economic suppression by the French-speaking aristocracy. Today the Flemish have a large degree of autonomy in Belgium, symbolized by a separate "national" holiday, July 11, the day when  Bruges fought a victorious battle against the French in 1302.