Ghent City Hall (Stadhuis) is one of the most unusual buildings in the city and, without exaggeration, an architectural gem of all Flanders. It is located on Botermarkt Square, just a stone`s throw from the Belfry and Saint Nicholas` Church. The main feature of the City Hall, which immediately catches the eye, is the combination of two completely different architectural styles on one building.
Gothic and Renaissance meet here, creating a unique architectural ensemble that has no equal in Belgium. Today, the City Hall is not only a functioning administrative building where the city council and the mayor work, but also an important tourist attraction open for tours.
Historical Overview
The construction of Ghent City Hall stretched over several centuries — the first phase began at the end of the 14th century, and the building acquired its final appearance only at the beginning of the 20th century. Originally, houses of craftsmen stood on this site, and the basements of some of them have survived to this day — the oldest fragment dates back to approximately 1100.
In 1519, construction began on the first wing in the late Gothic style. The project was designed by famous Flemish architects of the time. This part of the building was completed by 1539.
However, by the end of the 16th century, it became clear that the City Hall was too small for the expanded city administration. Between 1595 and 1618, a new wing was added — this time in the Italian Renaissance style. This wing faces Poeljemarkt Square. In the mid-18th century, the southern facade in the classicist style was added, and the final changes to the facade were made at the beginning of the 20th century, before the World`s Fair.
Architecture of Ghent City Hall: Two Parts of One Building
The main highlight of Ghent City Hall is its division into two wings, executed in different architectural traditions.
Gothic Wing
This wing is located on the corner of Botermarkt Square and Hoogpoort Street. It is executed in the style of Flamboyant Gothic, characterized by elegant openwork forms, elongated windows, and rich stone carving. The facade is decorated with niches containing statues of the Counts of Flanders. There are nineteen statues in total, and although the facade itself dates from the 16th century, the sculptures were created later — at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Renaissance Wing
The second part of Ghent City Hall, facing Poeljemarkt, looks completely different. It is an example of Italian Renaissance architecture, inspired by classical palazzos. The facade is decorated with columns and pilasters of three classical orders: Doric (below), Ionic (in the middle), and Corinthian (above). Such a "scholarly" application of the orders is a characteristic feature of the Flemish Renaissance.
Interiors of the City Hall: Halls and a Labyrinth of Corridors
Inside, Ghent City Hall has several dozen halls, connected by a complex system of corridors and staircases. The most significant of them are accessible to visitors as part of guided tours.
The Pacification Hall (Pacificatiezaal) is the historical heart of Ghent City Hall. It was here, on November 8, 1576, that the historic document known as the "Pacification of Ghent" (Pacificatie van Gent) was signed, uniting the northern and southern provinces of the Netherlands in the struggle against Spanish rule. The floor in this hall is laid with black and white tiles forming a labyrinth.
The Throne Hall (Troonzaal) is one of the most luxurious halls. Here stands the throne of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, who visited Ghent in the 18th century. The walls are adorned with standards and tapestries.
The Mayor`s Office — the interiors of this office have been preserved since 1728 and offer an idea of what the working environment of the city`s head looked like three centuries ago.
The Arsenal Hall (Arsenaalzaal) is notable for its Gothic wooden vaults, which date from an earlier period of construction.
The Wedding Chapel (Trouwkapel) is an active space where marriages are still registered. The chapel is decorated with exquisite stained glass windows, which create a special atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
• The oldest fragments of the City Hall are located in the basement at the corner of Hoogpoort and Botermarkt. These are presumably the remains of the Cardeloet family house, dating from before 1100.
• The above-ground part of the oldest wing in the central part of the complex dates from 1482.
• The famous French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, known for his restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, took part in the restoration work in the 19th century.
• At the end of the 19th century, there were plans to add another wing in the Neo-Gothic style on the Poeljemarkt side, but due to lack of funds, these plans remained on paper.
Useful Information for Visitors
• How to get there: The City Hall is located in the pedestrian zone of the center. The easiest way is to take a tram to the Korenmarkt stop and walk for 5 minutes.
• Opening hours: The entrance hall is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Independent viewing of the interiors is not possible.
• Tours: You can visit the ceremonial halls of the City Hall only as part of an organized guided tour. Tours are conducted in several languages, including English. Information on schedules and reservations can be found on the official website.
• Cost: Entry is paid; only the tour service is charged. It is best to check the exact price on the official website before your visit.
• Photography: Photo and video shooting are permitted.
Ghent City Hall clearly demonstrates the architectural and historical evolution of the city. Two different facades, separated by centuries, tell the story of how medieval merchant Ghent transformed into a city of the Modern Era, absorbing the ideas of the Italian Renaissance.
Inside, behind these facades, hides a true labyrinth of halls, each preserving the memory of key events in Flemish history. Even if you cannot join a tour, simply walking around this building will give you an interesting architectural impression that you will not find anywhere else in Belgium.
