Laboriously built between 1444 and 1480, the splendid, slightly asymmetrical Hôtel de Ville was almost the only building on the Grand Place to escape the 1695 French bombardment – ironic considering it was their primary target. The stone facade is replete with Gothic gargoyles and reliefs. Its intricate tower soars 96m, topped by a gilded statue of St-Michel, Brussels’ patron saint. The Hôtel de Ville is now a museum. Grab an audioguide and wander from galleries to halls dating from different centuries.
Laboriously built between 1444 and 1480, the splendid, slightly asymmetrical Hôtel de Ville was almost the only building on the Grand Place to escape the 1695 French bombardment – ironic considering it was their primary target. The stone facade is replete with Gothic gargoyles and reliefs. Its intricate tower soars 96m, topped by a gilded statue of St-Michel, Brussels’ patron saint. Now that the officials have left the building for the brand-new BruCity complex, the Hôtel de Ville was turned into a proper museum. Grab an audioguide and wander from galleries to halls dating from different centuries. A panoramic guided tour in English is hosted on Saturday and Sunday at 5 pm.
