Ghent Town Hall
Schizophrenic flamboyance: political Ghent
©Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
This schizophrenic building is in two parts, as you can clearly see, making it a fascinating sight in political Ghent. The façade on the Hoogpoort side shows you the flamboyant Late Gothic style that dates from the early 16th century. This style is in sharp contrast to the Renaissance style on the Botermarkt side. In this later wing (1559 -1618), you will see three-quarter Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns and pilasters inspired by Italian palazzi.
Labyrinth behind the Counts of Flanders
In the niches in the façade of Ghent Town Hall, you will see the Counts of Flanders, although they were only added in the early 1900s. Behind this façade are no less than 51 rooms, including the Wedding Chapel, where Ghent residents make their wedding vows. Many a bride has been captivated by the beautiful, romantic stained-glass windows or got lost in the labyrinth of corridors and chambers inside the building.
Would you like a tour of Ghent Town Hall during your city trip? Tours are only available with a guide.
Can’t wait to see Ghent’s historic façades? Zoom in now on the façade of Ghent Town Hall.
A blue-and-white candy cane
As if the Town Hall wasn’t eclectic enough with its many different architectural styles, its façade features a very eye-catching drainpipe. The blue and white striped pipe certainly adds some colour to the building, but what exactly the colours mean is left to your own imagination. Blue as a symbol for water and white for heaven, maybe? Or do they refer to the local football team KAA Gent, as its fans like to believe?
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