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Brussels Town Hall: A Gothic Masterpiece

Discover Brussels' iconic Town Hall, a stunning Gothic masterpiece on the Grand Place, filled with history, art, and civic pride. A must-see landmark!

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The Brussels Town Hall, a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, stands proudly on the Grand Place. Built between 1401 and 1455, it's the only remaining medieval building on the square and a symbol of Brussels' civic pride.

A brief summary to Brussels Town Hall

Local tips

  • Book a guided tour in advance to skip the lines and fully appreciate the Town Hall's history and architecture.
  • Visit during the evening to see the Town Hall illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around the Grand Place and explore the nearby chocolate shops and restaurants.
  • Check for special events or festivals happening on the Grand Place, such as the Winter Wonders Christmas Market or the Ommegang Pageant, for a unique experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Brussels Central Station, head northeast. Walk along Rue de la Madeleine, then turn left onto Grand Place. The Town Hall will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus line 33 from Brussels Central Station to the Bourse stop. From Bourse, walk a short distance to the Grand Place. The Town Hall will be on your left. A single ticket costs €2.30.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A taxi from Brussels Central Station to the Grand Place typically takes 5 minutes and costs between €8 and €11. Taxi fares in Brussels have a minimum fare of €8.00, a pick-up fee between €1.50 and €2.60, a price per kilometer between €1.50 and €2.30, and a price per minute between €0.40 and €0.60.

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Discover more about Brussels Town Hall

Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville in French, Stadhuis in Dutch) is a landmark building in Brussels, Belgium, gracing the south side of the Grand Place. Erected between 1401 and 1455, it is considered a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture, specifically of the Brabantine Gothic style. The Town Hall is the only remaining medieval building of the Grand Place. The oldest part of the building is its east wing, constructed between 1401 and 1421, likely designed by Jacob van Thienen and Jean Bornoy. The west wing followed between 1444 and 1449, its architect debated but possibly Guillaume (Willem) de Voghel. Jan van Ruysbroek, court architect of Philip the Good, designed the 96-meter-high tower in Brabantine Gothic style, completed by 1455. The tower is topped with a golden statue of Saint Michael, the patron saint of Brussels. The façade is adorned with numerous statues representing local nobility, saints, and allegorical figures. The current sculptures are mainly 19th- and 20th-century reproductions; the original 15th-century ones reside in the Brussels City Museum. Inside, neo-Gothic interiors dominate, including the Maximilian Room, the States of Brabant Room, and the Municipal Council Room. The States of Brabant Room features lavish decorations by Victor Honoré Janssens, including a ceiling painting and tapestries depicting Brabant's history. The Town Hall has undergone several restorations, notably in the 19th century under architects Tilman-François Suys and Victor Jamaer. Today, it houses the mayor's offices and serves as a venue for weddings and official ceremonies. Visitors can explore the opulent halls and admire the exquisite tapestries, gaining insight into the city's rich history and culture. Guided tours and self-guided tours are available.

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