An emblematic symbol of the Low Countries, the carillon is a twinkling musical instrument with the earliest known dating to 1510 in Flanders.
Hundreds gathered across the country to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the carillon's UNESCO heritage recognition on Friday 25 April, just ahead of Brussels and Flanders Heritage day on Sunday 27 April.
Centuries of evolution
Originating in China, bells arrived to the Low Countries around the fifth century, employed as a means of gathering the public in town squares and regulating religious life.
In the 16th century, wealthy cities adopted them as timepieces to visually embellish belfries and towers, with the instrument gaining merit in its own right by the 18th century. Schools emerged from this popularity, namely the first prestigious Royal Carillon School in the "Flemish Style," founded by composer Jef Denyn in Mechelen.
A Belgian icon
The carillon consists of the suspension of a minimum of 23 bronze bells tuned in chromatic order and sounded from a clavier keyboard.
Flanders flaunts the highest concentration of carillons globally, with just under 50 per 100 square kilometres on average. Mechelen's St. Rumbold's Cathedral holds the title of the sole tower globally with two fully functional 49-bell concert carillons.
Credit: Belga
Deeply embedded in Belgian culture and history, their music can be heard ringing up to eight times an hour in many Flemish towns and cities as well as in Brussels. They became symbols of municipal pride, sparking competition between cities and small towns to obtain the most impressive device.
Listening to the carillon
Belgium has no shortage of carillon to experience, boasting a total of 94 nationwide.
The quaint medieval city of Bruges flaunts an impressive trail of carillon, with its largest located in the iconic Belfry in the bustling main square. When touring the city, stop for a listen at the Grootseminarie of Brugges and the Church of Lissewege to relish in all the carillon jingles the city has to offer.
The home city of the carillon, Mechelen offers an array of possibilities to hear the melodies. The impressive St. Rumbold's Cathedral is particularly worth a visit. The cathedral, built by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck, withstood wars and fires and sports a 360 view of the city through ornate stained-glass windows.
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Located in one of Brussels' most touristic sites, the Mont Des Arts carillon on the façade of the Palais de la Dynasty chimes every 15 minutes.
Alternating Flemish and Walloon songs, the music is accompanied by a mechanical performance of the figurines or various significant Belgian historical characters. As part of UNESCO's heritage protection, the site is currently under construction costing €100,000. It is due to ring its bells again in late June.
Brussels' St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral also has a 49-bell carillon, with concerts taking place here every Sunday from 14:00.
