City hall, Medieval civic building in Aarau, Switzerland.
Aarau's city hall is an administrative building marked by a central tower with a mechanical clock in the old town. The interior features wooden paneling and spacious rooms that continue to serve municipal functions today.
The building started as a fortification around 1250 and was gradually adapted for municipal use beginning in 1515. This transformation into the seat of local government happened over several decades as the city's needs evolved.
The first floor houses the primary council chamber, where local government meetings and official ceremonies take place throughout the year.
The building is accessible on weekdays during daytime hours for visitors to explore public areas. It works best to visit in the morning when administrative activity is underway and the spaces feel more lively.
The central facade underwent major reconstruction in 1954 after structural problems became apparent. This extensive repair reveals how carefully the building has been maintained over time.
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