About
Brussels Town Hall stands on the Grand Place in the heart of the Belgian capital, the Brussels-Capital Region. It is a Gothic building, and its main draw is the way it anchors the square: the whole Grand Place seems to lead the eye toward its facade.
What to look at
The facade is asymmetrical, a feature that sets it apart from the tidier civic buildings of its time. Above it rises a slender spire, and at the top of that spire is a golden statue of Saint Michael. Looking up from the square is the easiest way to appreciate the height and detail of the stonework.
The building dates from the 15th century and is often cited as one of Europe's finest examples of civic Gothic architecture. Civic Gothic refers to the style used for public buildings such as town halls, which were meant to express the pride and standing of the city they served.
What kind of visit it makes
- A short stop on foot, since the building is best seen from the Grand Place itself
- A good starting point for exploring the historic centre of Brussels
- A pleasant place to pause in the square and take in the architecture around it
Because the Grand Place is compact, the Town Hall fits easily into a walk through the old town. Visitors often combine it with the other buildings that line the square and with the narrow streets that run off it.
Check locally before you go whether the interior is open to visitors on the day you plan to come, as access can vary.