Overview:

is the 16th-century Town or City Hall of Ghent, Flanders, and Belgium. It was built in 1518, designed and constructed by the Renaissance architect Cornelis Floris de Vriendt. The building has been the Grand Bailiwick of Ghent since 1518, and houses the offices of the Mayor of Ghent; the Supreme Council or Great Council; the Court of Aldermen; the civil and criminal courts; the schepen bank; and meetings of the municipal council. The City Hall has a Gothic facade and combines Flemish Gothic late-Gothic and Renaissance elements, blended harmoniously in a unique architectural symbiosis. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

- Located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, the Ghent City Hall is one of the most important buildings in Belgium. - It was built in 1482-1495 under orders from Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. - Its exterior features a striking neo-gothic facade that is characterized by intricately carved stone sculptures, statues and decorative reliefs. - The interior boasts a grand Hall of Honor and many other august chambers, all filled with artwork from the middle ages and Renaissance. - Visitors can also view the City Table, which is a sculpted wooden representation of the region's medieval political system. - The annual Ghent festival is held every July in front of the City Hall. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

Ghent City Hall, located in Ghent, Belgium, is an ornate palace-like building considered to be one of the finest monuments of the Flemish Gothic style. Construction of the building began in 1313 and was mostly completed in 1380. It served as the seat of the Town Council of Ghent, and was the administrative hub of the city for over 500 years. The city hall is based in the old center of Ghent. The building and its interior have both undergone several renovations since the 14th century. The building is built in the Flemish Gothic style. It consists of three wings framed by two circular towers at each end. The central part of the building is a large tower which was begun in 1313. The building was mostly completed by 1380 when the Town Council met for the first time in the Great Hall. The intricately decorated façade is divided between four stories, and is filled with Flemish Gothic style carvings. The interior is just as monumental as the exterior, with vast rooms and impressive wall decorations. The Great Hall was traditionally the center of the building, where the Town Council would meet to discuss the affairs of the city. The room is decorated with a number of pieces of art, including the paintings "Diogenes" and "The Fight of Ghent". The Council Chamber is the oldest part of the building, and where all of the decisions made by the Town Council were recorded. The building now houses the administrative offices of the city of Ghent. Today, the Ghent City Hall serves as an important landmark in the city and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the building and view the many works of art housed within it. Ghent City Hall is an important symbol of the city and a reminder of Ghent's rich history. It is a testament to the artistry of the period in which it was built, and a reminder of the city's long and distinguished past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Ghent City Hall is the largest secular Gothic building in Belgium. 2. It was built in 1377 and is considered to be one of the oldest gothic buildings in Europe. 3. The original building was burnt down by the French when they occupied the city in 1576. 4. It was reconstructed over the course of 250 years after the fire and the result is the building we have today. 5. The façade is decorated with ancient sculptures, including the famous serpent embedded in a column on the right wing of the City Hall. 6. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Belgium, receiving nearly one million visits each year. 7. The City Hall is home to the Ghent City Museum, the exposition of the Franc de Ghent Association, and many other cultural activities. 8. The tower of the City Hall is 85 meters high and is the tallest tower in all the regions of Flanders. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era