Page 221 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

BRUSSELS  219

Hôtel de Ville VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

The idea of erecting a town hall to reflect Brussels’ growth as a Practical Information
major European trading center had been under consideration Grand Place. Tel 02-279 2343.
since the end of the 13th century, but it was not until 1401 that Open for guided tours (in English:
2pm Wed, 11am, 3pm, & 4pm
the first foundation stone was laid. Completed in 1459, the Hôtel Sun; call 02-548 0447 for more
de Ville emerged as the finest civic building in the country, a details). Closed public hols &
stature it still enjoys. Jacques van Thienen was commissioned to election days. & 7
design the left wing, where he used ornate columns, sculptures, Transport
turrets, and arcades. Jan van Ruysbroeck’s elegant spire helped q Bourse, Gare Centrale.
@ many routes. v 3, 4, 31, 32.
seal the building’s reputation. Tours of the interior are available,
with its 15th-century tapestries and works of art.
. Maximilian Room
This lavish hall, used today by the
city council, takes its name from
the portrait of Maximilian I of
Austria over the fireplace. It
contains 18th-century tapestries
depicting the history of
6th-century King Clovis.
. Council Chamber
This room was where the
ruling council of Brabant
The tower, begun in used to meet. Ancient
1449, is 96 m (315 ft) tapestries and gilt mirrors
The gabled roof, like high. It is topped by a line the walls above an
much of the town hall, statue of St. Michael, inlaid floor.
was fully restored in patron saint of Brussels.
1837 and cleaned
in the 1990s.

Gothic Room
137 stone
statues adorn
the facades.

Wedding Room
A Neo-Gothic style dominates
this civil marriage office. Its
ornate carved timbers include
mahogany inlaid with ebony.

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