TOWN HALL (STADHUIS)
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City Hall with an ultra-charged facade, flanked by three turrets and tall narrow windows decorated with coats of arms.
This is where the city has been administered for over 600 years. This Gothic masterpiece was completed in the 15th century (1376-1420), making it one of the oldest in the "Netherlands" at the time. Construction began just after the marriage of Philip the Bold, the first Duke of Burgundy, to the daughter of the Count of Flanders, when he was the first to federate the vassal provinces into the "Burgundian Netherlands." The town hall is a perfect example of the Flemish-Brabantine Gothic style that made the reputation of the cathedrals of the region, even if it was restored in the 19th century. Its facade is very busy, flanked by three turrets, high narrow windows decorated with the coats of arms of the former vassal cities, a bunch of turrets and the niches that once housed the statues of the Counts of Flanders. Made by van Eyck but destroyed during the French Revolution, they are now replaced by copies. On the second floor there is a wonderful Gothic room with ribbed vaulting, panelling, arches and decorated with 20th century murals (including the famous episode of the Battle of the Golden Spurs), which is used for weddings. In the adjacent room, the history of Bruges is illustrated with original documents and paintings. The upstairs is subject to a fee, but the Lost Steps room downstairs is free to enter. Take a look at the life-size portraits of sovereigns and the Burg.
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Une visite s'impose.