- Address: Burg 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Phone: +32 50 44 81 11
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08: 30-00: 30, Sat - 09: 00-11: 45, Sun - the day off
Despite the fact that the Belgian city of Bruges is not a major European capital, it does not affect its significance in any way. Not for nothing that the historical part of the city is under the protection of the World Organization of UNESCO. This same organization has added to the world heritage list the old town hall in Bruges (Stadhuis van Brugge), which has inspired artists, poets and filmmakers for many years.
History of the Town Hall
The decision to build a town hall in which the city council of Bruges could meet was taken by Louis II of Malvia. For her, a place was chosen on the Burg square, which formerly housed the city prison, and before it - the tower of the city council ( Beffroy ). The construction of the new building continued from 1376 to 1421.
The Town Hall in Bruges is one of the oldest buildings in Belgium . Considering its monumentality, rich decoration and splendor, one can judge about the role played by Bruges in the political and economic life of Europe. The structure was built in the Gothic style and became the prototype of the town halls located in the Belgian capital Brussels , as well as in Leuven and Ghent .
Facade of the Town Hall
The splendor of the town hall in Bruges is easily read on its facade. It has a strict rectangular shape and a richly decorated facade. The front part of the building is literally dissected by high Gothic windows. On the facade of the Town Hall there are such interesting details as:
- crenellated parapet;
- low lancet towers;
- high gable roof;
- strict attic windows.
Each tower of the Town Hall in Bruges is decorated with stone statues depicting the noble Flanders masters. During the French Revolution, these statues were seriously damaged, so the final reconstruction was carried out only in the middle of the XX century.
Town Hall Interior
The interior of the Town Hall in Bruges is also beautiful and unique, like its facade. The central hall, executed in the Gothic style, united the premises of the Big and Small halls of the municipality. The main decoration of the Gothic Hall is the oak vault, consisting of 16 panels. It depicts figures that are allegories to the four natural elements and seasons.
The walls of the Hall of the Town Hall in Bruges are decorated with frescoes dating from the XIX century. Above them worked artist Albrecht de Vrindt, who depicted the traditional biblical stories and events from the history of the city of Bruges. Vaults are decorated with castle stones and medallions, which also depict biblical scenes. The decoration of the hall is a fireplace, which was erected in the XVI by Lancelot Blondel. To make it, the master used natural wood, alabaster and marble.
Currently, the Town Hall in Bruges is used for the following purposes:
- as a meeting room of the city council;
- as the place of registration of marriage;
- as a city museum.
How to get there?
The town hall is located in the central square of Burg in Bruges. Within a 2-minute walk, there are bus stops Brugge Wollestraat, Brugge Markt, Brugge Vismarkt. You can get to them by bus route 2, 6, 88, 91.
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