Typology: belfry / clock tower
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The Belfry of Aalst, located on the Grote Markt in Aalst (Oost-Vlaanderen), is a 15th-century structure comprising the Schepenhuis, the belfry tower, and the "gebiedshuisje." The original Schepenhuis, built in 1225 from Ledian sandstone, is considered one of the oldest preserved town halls in the Low Countries, despite multiple destructions and reconstructions, including a significant fire in 1380 during a Ghent uprising led by Louis of Male. The belfry tower, added in 1460, features statues representing the Counts of Flanders and Aalst, and a 1600 sundial. In 1879, part of the building was damaged by fireworks, leading to restorations and an expansion of the carillon from 38 to 52 bells. The "gebiedshuisje," originally built in 1474 and rebuilt in 1543, displays 19th-century statues of notable figures, including Emperor Charles V and painter Pieter Coecke van Aelst.
