Oudenaarde - Town Hall

(Local Name: Stadhuis) The wonderful Stadhuis was built between 1526 and 1537 according to plans by the Brussels' civic architect Hendrik van Pede on the site of the courthouse (Schepenhuis) which had been pulled down. The architect followed the Late-Gothic city halls of Brussels and Leuven and introduced Renaissance elements. Above an arcaded passage rises the 25m/82ft- high elaborate main facade adorned with figures, pilasters and arches, and separated harmoniously by the introduction of a 40m/131ft-high clock-tower. On the top of this is the figure of "Hanske de Krijger" (Henry the victor) the symbolic protector of the city. The magnificence of the exterior is complemented by the interior. Passing through the vaulted halls on the ground floor we enter the Great Hall (Volkszaal) with a balcony overlooking the market, and which is heated by means of a great Late-Gothic fireplace by the Oudenaarde sculptor Pauwel van der Schelden. The same sculptor was responsible for the porch at the entrance door of the courtroom (Schepenzaal); here should be noted the original oak floor and the pictures: Charles VI, Louis XIV on horseback, Oudenaarde in the 18th C., and some examples from the school of Adriaan Brouwers. In the archive hall documents are kept concerning the history of the town.

The tower and belfry are UNESCO sites.