Beffroi de Mons - Mons, Belgium
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member pmaupin
N 50° 27.250 E 003° 57.007
31U E 567447 N 5589560
[EN] The belfry of Mons constitutes a remarkable architectural testimony, the only baroque belfry in Belgium. [FR] Le beffroi de Mons constitue un témoignage architectural remarquable, seul beffroi baroque de Belgique.
Waymark Code: WM13371
Location: Hainaut, Belgium
Date Posted: 09/06/2020
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member monkeys4ever
Views: 3

"The only baroque-style belfry existing in Belgium, it is Mons' most famous monument. It was built between 1661 and 1669, on the site of the old round tower known as the" Clock Tower "which dominated the hill and gave from the end of the 14th century (1380) its silhouette so characteristic to the city. This tower was damaged in 1548 during the great fire which devastated part of the city. Restored, it collapsed from dilapidation in April 1661, undoubtedly too high for its diameter and too heavy for the strength of its plate.

The aldermen carried out the entire procedure for the construction of the new building, which caused a very heavy burden for the City to bear, and this despite a financial contribution from the government. The square plan of the architect Louis Ledoux was chosen and, on his death, Vincent Anthony continued the work.

On the municipal level, the belfry played the role of watchtower, which was already used in 1691 during the siege of Mons by the French troops, but also made it possible to detect fires. In addition, the clock gave the time to everyone.

87 meters high, this stone tower ends with a complicated, bulbous frame, which gives it a picturesque and original appearance. Each level corresponds to an architectural decoration inspired by an ancient order (Tuscan pilasters, Ionic columns, pilasters with volute in aileron ...)

Inside the belfry, a stone spiral staircase, very narrow, following the tradition of the 15th and 16th centuries, allows to reach the third level, it is then relayed by wooden ladders to the level of the lantern. The belfry contains a clock and a carillon of 49 bells, of different ages, which was restored and modernized in 1953 and 1985. "

Sources : The Panel

Photo goes Here Photo goes Here

"Unique beffroi de style baroque existant en Belgique, il est le monument le plus fameux de Mons. Il fut édifié entre 1661 et 1669, à l’emplacement de l’ancienne tour ronde dite "Tour à l'horloge” qui dominait la colline et donnait dès la fin du XIVe siècle (1380) sa silhouette si caractéristique à la ville. Cette tour fut endommagée en 1548 lors du grand incendie qui ravagea une partie de la ville. Restaurée, elle s’écroula de vétusté en avril 1661, trop haute sans doute pour son diamètre et trop lourde pour la résistance de son assiette.

Les échevins menèrent toute la procédure de l’édification du nouveau bâtiment qui occasionna une charge très lourde à supporter par la Ville, et cela malgré un apport financier gouvernemental. Le plan carré de l‘architecte Louis Ledoux fut choisi et, à sa mort, Vincent Anthony continua l‘œuvre.

Sur le plan communal, le beffroi jouait le rôle de tour de guet, qui servit déjà en 1691 lors du siège de Mons par les troupes françaises, mais permettait aussi de détecter les incendies. En outre, l’horloge donnait l'heure à toute la population.

Haute de 87 mètres, cette tour de pierre se termine par une charpente compliquée, en bulbes, qui lui donne un aspect pittoresque et original. A chaque niveau correspond un décor architectonique inspiré d'un ordre antique (pilastres toscans, colonnes ioniques, pilastres à volute en aileron...)

A l‘intérieur du beffroi, un escalier de pierre, en vis, très étroit, suivant la tradition des XVe et XVIe siècles, permet d‘atteindre le troisième niveau, il est ensuite relayé par des échelles de bois jusqu'au niveau de la lanterne. Le beffroi contient une horloge et un carillon de 49 cloches, d'âge différent, qui a été restauré et modernisé en 1953 et 1985."

Sources : Le Panneau

Group that erected the marker: Mons Town Hall / Mairie de Mons

URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: [Web Link]

Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Parc du Château
Mons, Hainaut Belgium
7000


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pmaupin visited Beffroi de Mons - Mons, Belgium 08/27/2020 pmaupin visited it