Overview:

The town hall of Hasselt, Belgium is located in the historic center of Hasselt. It overlooks the historic Grand Place and is the seat of the local government. The building dates from the 13th century, and was originally constructed as the home of a powerful local family. The city hall has been subject to several renovations over the years, the most important being at the end of the 19th century. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s past, and serves as the seat of the city council. The building also plays host to a range of cultural exhibitions and functions throughout the year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

The Town Hall of Hasselt is a prominent feature of the city of Hasselt in Belgium. It was constructed in the 15th century and is a majestic building with Gothic-style architecture. The Town Hall has an impressive facade with a copper statue of Louis Gillis, hero of the local folklore atop the bell tower as well as statues of members of the nobility. Inside, the building contains the city office as well as the wedding hall, which is still used for ceremonies. The Town Hall showcases the rich history and culture of Hasselt with its unique and ornate decorations and features. It has been a popular tourist attraction for many years and is a symbol of the city of Hasselt. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The town hall of Hasselt, Belgium was built in 1572 and is one of the oldest town halls in Flanders. Located in the centre of the city at the Grote Markt, it has a rich and vibrant history as Hasselt’s seat of government and a witness to many significant events throughout its history. Originally built as the guildhall of the town, the first significant event to occur at the site was the signing of the “twelve articles” treaty in 1578, granting certain rights to the people of Hasselt and the surrounding region. The 12 Articles reinforced the citizens civic rights, offering aid to the poor and disabled, prescribing protocols in case of fire or calamity, and protecting the town’s citizens from other towns’ rulers. The role of the town hall as a civic center was further reinforced by the decision of King Philip I in 1579 to grant the town of Hasselt its own coat of arms. The current building’s most distinct feature, the iconic clock tower, was constructed in 1595. The Town Hall has several architectural styles, as renovations and reconstructions were done through the centuries. In the 17th century, wings were added to the building, as well as a grand staircase and a ceremonial main entrance. The interior rooms nearby the entrance were decorated in the Flemish Baroque style. The building’s main French Neo-classical entrance hall was built in 1782, when the central tower was completely replaced. In the 19th century, the town hall was the site of several turbulent and uncertain events, such as the fire of 1814, when the building was largely destroyed by French troops, and then reconstructed again. Today, the Town Hall is still a major symbol in Hasselt, with its clock bell still ringing out across the city every half hour, and still houses the city’s government. Inside, visitors can marvel at the grand staircases, the unique interior architecture, and the rich history embedded into the walls. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Town Hall of Hasselt dates back to 1525, making it one of the oldest such structures in the country. 2. The building has been renovated several times since its construction, including an extensive restoration programme in the 1970s that restored it to its original 16th-century glory. 3. The Town Hall of Hasselt boasts a number of unique features, including a large stained glass window that was added in 1904, as well as the city's coat of arms on the front façade. 4. The building is a classic example of Belgian Flemish architecture, featuring brickwork and stone masonry. 5. The Town Hall of Hasselt is a popular destination for international tourists, who come to admire its impressive architecture. 6. The building also hosts numerous cultural events, including the Hasselt Film Festival and the Festival of Power and Poetry. 7. Every year, the Town Hall of Hasselt is the site of several important events, such as the opening of the local government's budget and the swearing-in of new Hasselt City Council members. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era