©LUCID
Program
Since 1999, the beautiful cathedral tower has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along with the City Hall, the tower is protected as a belfry. With the Vleeshuis Museum closed for restoration, we bring the rich history of the tower to life in the City Hall. In TorenTunes, a small exhibition about grand sounds, you’ll learn more about the tower as a belfry, music box, and clock, and discover why the cathedral tower is closely linked to the City Hall and the Vleeshuis.
After a brief introduction to the tower and carillon, the tour continues on foot to the cathedral tower for a steep but fascinating walk through centuries of Antwerp’s history. Step by step, you’ll uncover the story of the tower, its various functions as a watchtower and musical instrument, and its impact on the daily life of the people of Antwerp. You’ll see the bells up close, learn all about the carillon, and after a climb of 515 steps, enjoy breathtaking views of the city. On clear days, you can even spot the Sint-Rombouts Tower in Mechelen, and with some luck, the Atomium in Brussels. You’ll have plenty of time to catch your breath, look around, and take photos.
Practical Information
Climbing the Cathedral Tower
- From July 4 to August 29, 2025
- Every Friday morning from 10:00 to 12:00
- Language: English
- Price: €16 per person
- Location: The tower climbs start at the City Hall with a visit to the TorenTunes mini-exhibition (Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerp)
General Information
- The tour takes 2 hours.
- A maximum of 15 people are allowed per tour.
- Groups wishing to participate can book up to 15 tickets.
- The minimum age is 8 years. Children between 8 and 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
- A good level of fitness is required, and sporty footwear is recommended.
- In case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons. If this happens, Museum Vleeshuis will contact the participants, and tickets will be refunded.
Foto: LUCID
Foto: LUCID
Foto: LUCID
Foto: LUCID
Foto: Frederik Beyens
Foto: Frederik Beyens
Foto: Frederik Beyens
Foto: Frederik Beyens
Foto: Frederik Beyens
Did you know?
The Belfry Tower...
- Was built in several stages, between 1420 and 1518.
- Measures 123 meters, making it the tallest church tower in the Benelux.
- Has 615 steps (515 of which are accessible to visitors).
- Has 8 large bells and 49 carillon bells, with the heaviest bell, ‘Carolus,’ weighing no less than 6.5 tons, and the oldest bell, ‘Maria,’ cast in 1459.
- Features a large carillon that is played every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon, as well as every Monday evening in July and August by the city’s carillonneurs.
- Was listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999, along with the City Hall.
- Underwent an extensive and essential restoration from 2019 to 2022.
