The Belfry of Namur, also known as the Saint-Jacques Tower, is a historic building in the city. The tower, built around 1388 as part of the city walls, became a belfry in 1746.
Galerie photos
History
Originally, the Saint-Jacques Tower in Namur was the bell tower of the Saint-Pierre-au-Château collegiate church, serving as a belfry to mark the time and events of the city. After the church was destroyed in 1745, the tower became Namur’s belfry, protecting one of the city gates.
Following the demolition of the city walls in the early 18th century, the tower was preserved, restored, and converted into a belfry in 1746. Although it has a fortified appearance, it symbolizes the growing autonomy of municipal power in the face of ecclesiastical authority.
The belfry was hit by American bombing in 1944, with traces of the impact still visible today, recalling its history marked by the transition from military defense to a symbolic civilian role.
