City / Town Hall., Brugge

The town hall or Stadhuis of Brugge is the oldest in Belgium and one of the most attractive buildings I saw during my very short stop in the city.

Apparently the building was constructed in 1376. It has a beautiful and intricately carved exterior, although I'm told that the statues which are effigies of the counts and countesses of Flanders are in fact 1960s reproductions because the originals were destroyed by the French army some 100 years earlier. The building is still used as the town hall of the city.

The town hall is the focal point of the grand place - it is instantly recognisable as it is the grandest building there! It overlooks the Grand Place with a certain sense of regalness.

Many European cities have a town hall but this one is very grand - take some time to look up and appreciate the architecture and attention to detail - perhaps whilst enjoying a beer or coffee in one of the nearby cafes.

One of the most fascinating buildings in Brugge is the Town Hall. This gothic building was constructed between 1376 and 1420; it was one of the first monumental town halls in the Low Countries. At the front are six gothic windows surrounded by 48 statues representing royal and biblical figures. The original statues were demolished during the aftermath of the French Revolution. On the first floor is the prestigious Gothic Hall, with an impressive wooden ceiling and historic wall-paintings. In the historic room a collection of items; documents and paintings relating to the history of Bruges are on display. Next to the Town Hall can be seen the crypt of St. Basilius.

June 2010

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This square is where the Administrative centre of Brugge is.
Here, you will see some impressive buildings & architecture. Originally, there was a fortified Castle built here to stop the "Normans & Vikings ," this was 1200years ago and is no longer here.

The Gothic Town Hall, built in 1376, and the old Civic Registery built in Renaissance style (1534 - 1537) are located here. From 1883, the latter has been used as a Peace court. On its left, is the former Court of Justice built in a Neo- classicist style (1722 - 1727) Inside, you will see a famous chimney, built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Charles V & King Francios I in Pavia. It is now the Tourist Information centre.
Also there, is the Deanery (1662) which later became part of the Palace of the Bishop of Brugges. Tucked away in a corner, is the Basilius Church and the Chapel of the Holy Blood.

Plenty to see here, and not to be missed. Stand back, take it in, Wow!

The Belfort - Built in the 13th-century, The Belfort or the Belfry, is a stunning octagonal tower where the city's medieval charter of rights is held.

Stadhuis - one of the oldest and finest town halls in Belgium, this was built between 1376 and 1420. Inside, the beautifully restored Gothic hall is noted for its 1385 vaulted ceiling.

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The Burg is Brugge's second main square and it houses the administrative buildings. However, they are elegant and in excellent condition. The gothic town hall (Stadhuis) dates back to 1376. The Old Civil Registry, now used a Peace Court, was erected between 1534-1537. The former Court of Justice building, which now houses the Tourist Information center dates bact to 1722.

The former house of Deans of the St. Donatius church the Deanery (1662) became later part of the palace of the Bishop of Bruges. The buiding is located on the left side of the square and is quite impressive.

In Renaissance style the Old Civil Registry (1534-1537) has been used since 1883 as the Peace Court. The intricate curved and scrolled gables are in contrast to the linear step gables of the majority of the buildings found here in Bruges. The building is beautifully decorated and contrasted with white and gold contrast. On the top of the building you will find to each side three bronze statues representing Justice, Moses and Aaron..