Bruges - Town Hall

(Local Name: Stadhuis) On the southeast side of the square the Stadhuis is one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands, having been constructed between 1376 and 1420. The facade of the delicate Gothic building displays the strong vertical emphasis characteristic of the style, with soaring pilasters, three of which end in octagonal turrets, separated by tall Gothic arched windows.

Statues of the counts of Flanders from Baldwin Iron Arm onwards fill the 49 niches. Inside are two rooms which should not be missed: the great Gothic Hall on the first floor with its beautiful timber vaulting (1402) and its murals recording events in the town's history by A. and J. de Vriendt (1895-1900); and the containing