Book Tower, Ghent Travel Guide

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Explore Ghent's iconic Book Tower: a modernist architectural marvel housing millions of books with panoramic city views from its belvedere.

The Boekentoren, or Book Tower, is a striking modernist masterpiece designed by Henry van de Velde for Ghent University. Housing over 3 million books, this 64-meter concrete structure is a prominent landmark on Ghent's skyline, offering panoramic city views from its belvedere.

A brief summary to Book Tower

Rozier 9, Ghent, Arrondissement of Ghent, 9000, BE
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Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Book Tower.

Check the official website for information on guided tours and access to the Belvedere, as it may be limited.
Visit the Book Tower on a sunny day to fully appreciate the panoramic views of Ghent from the top.
Explore the courtyards surrounding the Book Tower, including the Japanese courtyard, for a peaceful escape.

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Explore Book Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Book Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Book Tower is located on the Blandijnberg, easily accessible from Ghent's city center. From Korenmarkt, a central square, walk southwest along the Veldstraat, then turn left onto the Voldersstraat. Continue onto the Ottogracht, then turn right onto the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat. Turn left onto the Rozier. The Book Tower will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Ghent has an excellent public transport system. From Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, take tram line 1 towards Korenmarkt. Get off at the Korte Meer stop. From there, walk along the Voldersstraat, continue onto the Ottogracht, then turn right onto the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat. Turn left onto the Rozier. The Book Tower will be on your left. A single ticket costs €2.50 if purchased in advance or €3 if purchased on the tram.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Ghent. From Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, a taxi to the Book Tower will take approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi stands are located at the station. The estimated fare is €14.4, with a starting price of €4.9 and €1.9 per kilometer.

Discover more about Book Tower

The Book Tower (Boekentoren in Dutch) is more than just a library; it's a symbol of knowledge and a testament to modernist architecture in Ghent. Designed by the renowned Belgian architect Henry van de Velde, the Book Tower was commissioned in 1933 to house the Ghent University Library and various academic institutes. Completed in 1942, the 64-meter-high tower quickly became a defining feature of the city's skyline.Van de Velde's design is a bold statement in concrete, innovative for its time, and shaped like a Greek cross to symbolize the connection between time and space. The tower's 24 floors house over 3 million books, manuscripts, and other materials, making it a treasure trove of knowledge. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with reading rooms oriented to maximize natural light.During World War II, the tower was briefly occupied by the German army due to its strategic views. In the early 2000s, the Book Tower underwent a major restoration, preserving its historical essence while adding modern amenities. The belvedere at the top of the tower offers stunning panoramic views of Ghent, making it a popular spot for visitors. A bronze fox terrier sculpture, a work by Greta van Puyenbroeck, sits atop the Book Tower, adding a touch of whimsy to the structure.The Book Tower stands adjacent to the Blandijn, home to the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, creating a hub of academic activity. Today, the Book Tower remains a vibrant center for students and researchers, offering a place for quiet study and exploration of its vast collections.