Museum Butchers’ Hall
Climbing Our Lady’s Tower
From June 1st 2023 until October 27th 2024
The north tower of the Antwerp Cathedral, also known as Our Lady’s Tower, although leaning on the cathedral, is not part of it. Actually, at 123 metres tall, the tower is the imposing belfry of the city of Antwerp. For the people of Antwerp, it is their eternal pride; for many visitors, it is a unique example of Gothic architecture. For centuries, the belfry tower has been the pre-eminent means of communication between the city and its inhabitants. Flags, clockwork, chiming bells and carillon playing: more than once, Antwerp has been ‘blown over by the tower’.
Dutch, English, French, German
From 09/05/2023 10:00 pm (UTC) until 31/12/2030 10:59 pm (UTC)
Choose your tickets, date and time
Select the number of participants per guided tour or the number of individual tickets needed.
But you can only really experience the tower when you climb the 515 steps to the top… The inside of the tower is at least as impressive as the outside. Once you reach the top, you get a magnificent view of our city and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see the Atomium in Brussels.
A tower climb is preceded by a short guided tour in Museum Butcher’s Hall. There you will first learn about tower music and see a reconstruction of the last traditional bell-foundry. You will see step by step how the large bronze bells were (and are) made. After the introduction in the museum, you will go on foot with the guide to the tower and start the actual tower climb. Step by step, the story of the bell tower unfolds, its multifaceted belfry function and its impact on the daily life of Antwerpians over the centuries.
The finale, of course, is the breathtaking panorama from the tower, at 90 metres high. The guide will give you plenty of time to look around and take pictures. And then follows the long way back down. A good condition and sporty footwear are not a luxury!
Practical information:
- This tour is suitable for anyone in good shape from the age of 8 years.
- Maximum 15 persons per group
- Duration: 120 minutes
Contact details for visitors
2000 Antwerpen