![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/D721BCAA-1F8B-4629-A254-AA93339E6ABD/G1KA52.jpg)
A door ornament depicting a medieval lady holding a phrase inside the town hall in Bruges, Belgium
One of the most fascinating buildings in Bruges is the Town Hall. This Gothic building was constructed between 1376 and 1420; it was one of the first monumental town halls in the Low Countries and the oldest civil building in Belgium. At the front are six Gothic windows surrounded by 48 statues representing royal and biblical figures. The original statues were demolished during the aftermath of the French Revolution. On the first floor is the prestigious Gothic Hall, with an impressive wooden vaulted ceiling and historic wall-paintings. In the historic room a collection of items; documents and paintings relating to the history of Bruges are on display. Between 1895 and 1905 the distinguished local architect, Louis Delacenserie and the Gothic Revival champion Jean-Baptiste Bethune started the restoration of the interior. The lesser and greater council chamber were replaced by a single "Gothic Hall". On the walls mural paintings by Albrecht De Vriendt (fr) show scenes from the history of Bruges.
Size: 5760px × 3840px
Location: Town Hall, Burg Square 12, 8000 Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium, Western Europe
Photo credit: © DE ROCKER / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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