Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles, Gothic town hall at Grand Place, Belgium
Brussels Town Hall is a Gothic structure with a slender tower that rises 96 meters above the Grand Place and dominates the square's skyline. Its facade displays detailed stonework and ornaments reflecting various architectural styles built over different periods.
Building started in 1401 and was completed in 1455, with the structure designed by Jan van Ruysbroek. It survived a French bombardment in 1695 that destroyed much of its interior, though it was later rebuilt.
The building has served as the seat of city government for centuries and shapes how the Grand Place looks and feels to visitors. Official ceremonies and key city events take place here, connecting the space to Brussels' public life.
The building is always visible from outside since it sits on the Grand Place, one of the city's busiest squares. Visitors can see the ground floor and some interior rooms at certain times, with guided tours available in several languages.
At the top of the tower's spire stands a metal statue of Saint Michael, Brussels' patron saint, shown defeating a dragon. This figure is hard to see from below but remains an important symbol of the city watching over the square.
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