Town Hall, Hasselt, Gothic administrative building in Hasselt, Belgium
The Town Hall of Hasselt displays two distinct architectural phases, with the eastern section built in Bentheimer sandstone and the western part showing a simpler design. The eastern portion was completed in 1550 and features a keystone above the entrance, while the western section dates from 1615.
The structure was built in two phases, with the eastern section completed in 1550 reflecting the Gothic style of that era, while the western wing was added about 65 years later. This expansion shows how the town's administrative needs grew and changed over time.
The council chamber displays a painting by Nicolaes van Galen from 1657 that shows the period when legal proceedings took place here. This artwork reflects how the building served as a center for justice in the city.
The building houses an extensive collection of medieval weapons open to the public, including halberds, morning stars, and other arms from the period. It is useful to plan extra time if you want to view the weapon collection, as it is a substantial display.
The building historically served a dual purpose as both a town hall and a weigh house, where commercial activities happened alongside administrative duties. This combination of market and governance in one structure was typical of important medieval civic buildings and reveals the economic importance of the town.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
