Leyden - Town Hall

Near the south end of Breestraat stands the Leyden Town Hall (Stadhuis), which has occupied this site since the Middle Ages. In 1597 the old Gothic gable was replaced by a Renaissance facade designed by Lieven de Key. In February 1929 the Town Hall was destroyed by fire, leaving only the facade still standing, though in a badly damaged condition. During the rebuilding the facade and the handsome flight of steps leading up to the entrance were restored. To the left of the steps is the Roepstoel, the town crier's platform, from which Jan Hout, clerk of the municipal council, announced the flight of the Spaniards and the end of the siege on October 3, 1574. The tower (with carillon) was also rebuilt after the fire.