Description of the attraction
The pearl of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the 15th century Late Gothic Town Hall. It consists of several buildings. The part that faces the Grand Place with its façade was built earlier than the others. It is adjoined by three buildings, built in the classical style in the 18th century.
The most interesting is the Gothic building with a high bell tower. It began to be built in 1402. At first, the eastern wing of the mayor's office and a low turret near it were erected. By 1420, the building for the city council was ready. The construction work was supervised by the architect Jacob Van Tien. The construction of the second, shorter right wing took place 24 years later, when it became clear that there would not be enough space for all representatives of the local guilds who wanted to take part in the management of the city's affairs in the existing building. The west wing was supposed to be symmetrical to the east, but Karl the Bold opposed to reduce the adjacent street overlooking the Grand Place due to the construction of the Town Hall. Therefore, the architect Guillaume de Vogel was forced to make the western part of the city hall a little shorter than the eastern one.
The bell tower was added in 1454. From now on, its height is 96 meters. The Town Hall Tower is crowned with a five-meter gilded statue of the patron saint of Brussels, the Archangel Michael.
The Town Hall, which is considered the official residence of the mayor, which means that it is here that all the magnificent receptions take place, is open to tourists. The rooms available for inspection contain a rich collection of sculptures and tapestries. The walls are decorated with mirrors and exquisite stucco moldings, and you can see antique parquet on the floor.
