Images of Museum Het Belfort
Museum Het Belfort and its collection
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In the cozy center of the Zeeland-Flemish merchant town of Sluis stands the Belfry, the only one in the Netherlands. The Belfry of Sluis was built in the 14th-15th century. A belfry is originally a medieval, Flemish tower with bells that were rung at important events, such as a fire, the approach of an enemy army or the promulgation of a law. Later it was used to designate the town hall of which the belfry tower was a part. A belfry was (and still is) the paragon of urban pride, prestige and authority. The Belfry is a building where many elements come together: the administration of the municipality of Sluis has its seat in the council chamber, but also weddings, concerts, lectures, history narratives and modern art offer the inhabitants of Sluis and the many visitors a special and rich experience. The historic council chamber is the most beautiful room of the belfry. It is adorned with coats of arms and beam decorations and further "dressed up" with paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, medieval objects and an impressive, lavishly decorated four-chamber fence from the 18th century. The mayor's room is also a precious ornamented showroom, with sumptuous gold-leather wallpaper and Sluis portrait and town paintings from the past two centuries. In addition, there is fine Flemish and Zeeland furniture from the 17th-19th centuries. The lower and oldest part of The Belfry is the council cellar where historical and art exhibitions can be seen. In one corner is the old prison with a real rack and a (new) prisoner... High in the Belfry Tower is a wooden statue called "Jantje van Sluis." This little man in 17th century costume beats time on the bells with his hammer. He is the "hero of Sluis" for saving Sluis from a Spanish attack. Once at the top, there is a beautiful view of Sluis and the West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen countryside.
NLOudheidkundige Verzameling Belfort
History & Anthropology Historic house Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Modern art Religion Religious building
#19 History & Anthropology in Zeeland #4 Historic houses in Zeeland #2 Modern art museums in Zeeland #137 Historic houses in the Netherlands #26 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in the Netherlands #89 Modern art museums in the Netherlands #32 Religion museums in the Netherlands #22 Religious buildings in the Netherlands
#19 History & Anthropology in Zeeland
#4 Historic houses in Zeeland
#2 Modern art museums in Zeeland
#137 Historic houses in the Netherlands
#26 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in the Netherlands
#89 Modern art museums in the Netherlands
#32 Religion museums in the Netherlands
#22 Religious buildings in the Netherlands