Imagine gazing up at the Hôтел de Ville’s belfry. This is not just any tower. This is the Campanile. It is Lille’s proudest municipal building.
The Campanile stands tall. It represents the city’s resilience and ambition. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Campanile shares this honor with other belfries in Belgium and northeastern France.
Let’s dive into its story. Lille’s Town Hall was rebuilt between 1924 and 1932. This followed the destruction of the First World War. The architectural style blends neo-Flemish and neo-Renaissance elements. This gives it a unique sense of grandeur.
Émile Dubuisson designed the new Town Hall. Construction started in 1924. Roger Salengro, mayor of Lille from 1925, added the belfry. The Campanile became the first reinforced concrete building over 100 meters in France. It was built in two stages from 1929 to 1931. Inauguration followed in 1932.
The Campanile is more than just a pretty face. It stands 104 meters tall. This makes it the tallest municipal building in France. Climbing the 400 steps is an adventure. A lift is available. However, you must first climb 109 steps to reach it.
The Campanile offers panoramic views. It is said to be the best vantage point in Lille. From here, you can see the Pierre Mauroy stadium. You can also see the Lys Valley and the Monts de Flandres. On a clear day, the views are simply breathtaking.
Inside the Hôтел de Ville, the Great Gallery stretches 143 meters. It features concrete pillars with marble and wrought iron details. This internal street provides access to various parts of the Town Hall.
The Campanile’s design has local roots. Its shape echoes the “Lilloise span.” You can see this on 17th-century houses in old Lille. Two concrete statues stand at its base. They depict the giants Lydéric and Phinaert. Legend says they founded the city. Carlo Sarrabezolles created these statues by hand in fresh concrete.
The belfry once had a headlight. It was used to announce municipal gatherings. It symbolized the city’s political and commercial power. The belfry is no longer in use.
Visiting the Campanile is easy. It is a short walk south of the city center. The closest metro station is Mairie de Lille. You can access the belfry by ringing the bell on Place Simon Vollant. The belfry is open Tuesday to Sunday. There is a one-hour closure between 1 pm and 2 pm. Admission is €7.50. Entry is free with the Lille City Pass. It is also free on the first Wednesday of the month.
The Campanile stands as a symbol. It embodies Lille’s history, art, and resilience. As you stand here, remember the stories. Remember the people who built this magnificent structure. The Campanile is more than a building. It is a testament to Lille’s enduring spirit.