Destinations / The best places to visit in Brussels, Belgium / Brussels City Hall

 

  Building construction was the growing power of Brussels as capital of the Duchy of Brabant. By the end of 14th century inns and some small wooden houses was on land that would later be built Town Hall in Brussels. Due to the increasing role of the city, its managers decided to buy these old houses one by one in order to demolish and build a new city hall as the needs of a major administrative center. The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1402. This building is today the left wing was completed in 1405 with a small tower. It is believed that the original architect of this building was Jacob Van Thienen. In 1444, original building was expanded with a wing that was completed in drapta Inan 1449. That same year, architect Jan Van Ruysbroeck built tower that still today can be seen above the building. City Hall expansion was the result of rivalry between Brussels and the nearby city of Leuven. Leuven and he longed for the title of 'capital of the Duchy of Brabant' and therefore built a solid and well-known Hall (the building is still one of the most beautiful in Belgium and definitely worth visiting). 

 

  Finally, in the year 1455, a statue of St. Michael overcoming the dragon was put on top of the Brussels town hall tower. The original statue on the tower remained until June 1996 when he was replaced with a completely new (after 541 years). Most people immediately notice that the mayor concerning the tower is in the middle building. Legend has it that the architect committed suicide by throwing out of turn when he realized that the tower is not located in the middle building. Like most legends were born around the objectives of Brussels, no it is not true. That tower is not even in the middle is just the result that the right wing could not be done just as much as the left because the authorities wanted to keep it street near wing. 

 

  After the destruction of Brussels by French troops in August 1695, only the tower and outer walls of the hall could have been saved. The restoration works were started almost immediately after the disaster. In the 17th and 18th century decorative statues have been eroded or disappeared. Full restoration in 1840 already was necessary. Then the entire facade was decorated with 203 small statues representing the Duke of Brabant and Ducesele, who led the duchy between 580 and 1564. 

 

  Nowadays the building still has its place in the Brussels office of mayor. Administrative staff is based in another building on Boulevard Anspach. The first half of 1990, the Brussels city hall tower was completely restored. In the following years, and her face was cleaned and restored where it was needed.

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