The Flemish belfries on the World Heritage list
On December 1, 1999, the UNESCO decided to list 24 bell towers in Flanders as World Heritage. In December 1998, already 13 beguinages had been included in this prestigious list. With this World Heritage list, the UNESCO wishes to put all valuable components of the cultural, historical and natural heritage under protection, which surpass all regional and national barriers .
This recognition is subject to numerous conditions. One of the most important criteria stipulates that the building is representative of a substantial, universal moment in history. No other building than the belfry embodies to such an extent the emergence of a complex, urban society in the agrarian Europe of the early Middle Ages.
In this overview, you will also find the belfries in the Walloon region, which have also been included in the list.