The Bruges City Hall is a unique construction and one of the city's oldest preserved buildings, located on the majestic Burg Square.
The magnificent facade represents all the wealth and former greatness that the city possessed in the Middle Ages. The Bruges waterways made it a thriving trading center of Europe.
Previously, this place was occupied by a prison, which was demolished at the end of the 14th century as it had been decided to build a worthy headquarters for the city administration. The foundation was laid by Louis II, Count of Flanders. The construction lasted 45 years and was completed in 1421.
The City Hall is a rectangular 2-story building with openwork decorations and a stucco facade, adorned with three thin, graceful towers with spires. The high window niches display gilded sculptures of people embodying biblical motives, as well as of the noble citizens. The original statues were destroyed during the French Revolution and restored only in the middle of the 20th century. At the same time, the building acquired its modern pompous look.
The new City Hall in the Gothic style immediately became a trendsetter in architecture. It was a model for the main buildings of other Brussels cities, which, however, did not become as magnificent.
Currently, it is the Bruges City Council building, which is open to the public. Inside, you can see the luxurious Gothic Hall, decorated with gold frescoes and oak arches, as well as the Historical Hall with an exhibition of archival papers and antiques.
The City Hall is not always open to the public. Do not hesitate if you find out that there is an opportunity to visit it: the interior of the building is no less beautiful than the facade. No wonder the City Hall also hosts wedding ceremonies.
Near the City Hall, there are other famous sights: the Catholic Basilica of the Holy Blood, the old court office, the Torture Museum, the fish market, the medieval Belfry bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Besides, the heart of the city, the Market Square, is just 100 meters from the City Hall.