Stadhuis Gent

The city hall of Ghent can be found on the Botermarkt in the center of Ghent. The building consists of two wings. The oldest wing was built between 1519 and 1539 in late Gothic Flamboyant style. The other wing was built a little later between 1595 and 1618. This wing is much larger and the design of the facades is inspired by the Italian Renaissance palazzi. In addition to the two wings, the town hall consists of several other parts. An old cellar, for example, dates from before 1100 and the largest above-ground part of the complex was built in 1482. The town hall consists of the Pacification Hall, where the Pacification of Ghent was proclaimed in 1576, the Arsenal Hall, the Throne Room and the Reception Room. The town hall originated from three buildings along the Hoogpoort that were formerly used by the thirteen aldermen of Gedele who were involved in the administration of the city. The building was renovated several times in the 19th and 20th centuries.