Vertigo? These 5 Belgian office buildings tower above the rest!

A country with a rich architectural history, Belgium is home to some impressive buildings. While the country may not be known for its skyscrapers compared to other European countries, it certainly has its own unique buildings. Let's take a look at the five tallest buildings in Belgium:

1. South Tower (Brussels)

The South Tower, located in Brussels, is Belgium's tallest building at 150 metres tall. Completed in 1967, this iconic building is an important part of the Brussels skyline and has undergone several renovations over the years to meet modern requirements.The South Tower was designed by a team of architects, including Yvan Blommme, Jean-François Petit, Jean Hendrickx, René Aerts, Paul Ramon and Adrien Bressers. These architects worked together to create a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The building was developed on behalf of the Office des Cités de l'État, a government agency responsible for developing urban areas. The main office space is occupied by FPS Pensions.

2. Finance Tower (Brussels)

The Finance Tower is another highlight of the Brussels skyline. With its glass facade and modern design, it is a striking building on the edge of the Brussels pentagon. Located in Brussels on the Little Ring, at 145 metres it is the second tallest building in Belgium. This striking office building, designed by Jaspers - Eyers Architects, is an important part of the Brussels skyline. With a lettable area of 201,273 m² and 712 parking spaces, it is one of the largest buildings in the country. Construction of the Finance Tower started in 1968 and was completed in 1982. Recently, the Finance Tower has undergone a major renovation, with the facade renewed and the offices modernised.

3. Rogier Tower (Brussels)

Located in Brussels' North area at Place Rogier, the Rogier Tower, with its height of 137 metres, is a striking landmark in the city's skyline. Inaugurated in 2006, this modern office building stands where the Martini Tower previously stood. Originally known as the Dexia Tower, the name changed to Rogier Tower in 2012 after the Dexia Bank dismantled. Today, the tower is best known as the Belfius Tower, as the financial institution Belfius is its main user. An important part of Brussels' business centre, Rogier Tower is easily accessible by public transport thanks to its central location on Place Rogier. A striking feature is the digital screen on the facade, on which messages can be displayed. The building is an example of modern architecture with a clean and businesslike design.

4. Iris Tower (Brussels)

The Iris Tower, also known as the Silver Tower, is a landmark building in the Brussels landscape. At 137 metres tall, it is among the tallest buildings in Brussels. Located on Place Saint Lazarus in the North Quarter, the tower serves as an office building and mainly houses the Brussels Regional Public Service and Brussels Taxation. The tower's modern design, with a glass façade and vertical ribs of anodised aluminium, gives it the nickname 'Silver Tower'. These ribs not only provide a striking appearance, but also serve as sun protection. Construction of the tower, which began in 2013, was completed in 2021. Besides its architectural significance, the Iris Tower is also a paragon of sustainability. Designed with energy-saving features, the building has won awards for its innovative structural elements, such as the 'adaptive outriggers'. These elements contribute to the stability and flexibility of the building. The Iris Tower is not only a striking architectural element in Brussels, but also houses important public services, making it a central part of the city's functioning.

5. Paradis Tower (Liège)

With its height of 118 metres (136 metres including antenna), the Paradis Tower in Liège is a striking landmark in the city's skyline. It is one of the tallest buildings in Belgium, and the tallest building outside Brussels. Also known as the 'Tour des Finances de Liège', this modern tower was designed by the association of the architectural firms M. & J-M.Jaspers & J.Eyers & Partners and Bureau Greisch. The building has 27 floors and houses the regional headquarters of the Federal Public Service Finance. Construction of the tower, located in the Guillemins district between Liège-Guillemins Station and the Meuse River, began in 2012 and was completed in 2014. The building has a total area of 52,502 m².

*Want to know more about other tall buildings in Belgium? The table below lists other tall buildings, ranked by height. * List of tallest buildings in Belgium