Apart from the very lovely Colin Farrell, and the immensely talented Brendan Gleeson the main reason I watched the movie In Bruges was to prepare for a long weekend in that lovely city. It’s a funny, exciting and moving film and Bruges is a novel and stunning backdrop. The atmosphere as well as the sights are captured perfectly and one of the architectural stars of the film is the Belfort.
Anyone who has seen the film and visits Bruges will enjoy a trip up the Belfort all the more, but it is well worth the climb up 366 steps anyway and there are plenty of stops along the way for a quick rest.
The Belfort (or bell tower) was built in the 13th Century and its bells were intended to warn the city of impending attack. It also houses a carrillon. Many of the inside workings of the bell tower and carrillon can be seen on the trip to the top and the panoramic view across 
Bruges and beyond is a true reward for climbing to the top.
Bruges and beyond is a true reward for climbing to the top.
One of my favourite lines in the film is imortalised in graffiti, half-way up.
You will need a beer after all that exertion and people will tell you that the bars near the Markt (the large square on which the Belfort stands) and the adjacent Burg are pricey. However, there are many little side streets and alleyways where you can find lovely atmospheric pubs with a range of beers and much more reasonable prices.
Op uw gezondheid!
A votre sante!
