The belfort, or belfry, of Bruges, towering above the central Markt, is the mediaeval city’s most recognisable landmark. A tower has stood on the spot since 1240, with the current tower built following a fire in 1280. The Belfort is now a Unesco-recognised world heritage site.The belfry’s main purpose was always as a communications tower, from which bells would ring out to order the daily life of the citizens, as well as announce special circumstances, from dire emergencies to important gatherings.